Written by his mother, Ana Fátima
Hello, my name is Ana Fátima, and today I would like to share how I discovered Retinoblastoma, a rare type of cancer, in my son Samuel when he was only 2 months old.
Samuel was born on May 17, 2025, at 37 weeks of gestation, by cesarean section without complications. He underwent all routine examinations, including the red reflex test, which was reported as normal.
After 7 days, he was readmitted to the hospital due to jaundice and was discharged 3 days later, with all test results within normal limits.
When Samuel turned 2 months old, I began noticing an unusual reflex in his right eye whenever he looked toward the light. I mentioned it to my husband, who told me he had noticed it as well. In the following days, I brought this concern to the healthcare professional who attended us during a follow-up appointment through the public healthcare system (SUS). I explained that there was something different about his eye — a glow or shine that I could not explain. She told me it was normal and that it would change over time, without even examining him. I left that appointment even more distressed by hearing, “It’s normal.”
I could not stop thinking that it was not normal, so I started researching. That was when I came across a video of Tiago Leifert talking about his daughter’s condition. I immediately took a photograph of Samuel, and there it was — the little white spot. My heart raced. I wanted to deny it, but at that moment, I no longer had any doubts. I also recorded a video.
As soon as I saw the video, I scheduled an appointment with a private pediatrician. By then, Samuel was already 3 months old (08/21/2025). I explained everything that had been happening, and immediately the doctor told me that it was not normal and that it could indeed be what I feared. She wrote a medical report with the suspicion diagnosis and instructed me to go to the health clinic to request an urgent appointment with a pediatric ophthalmologist, since only a specialist could confirm whether it was Retinoblastoma. And that is exactly what I did — although I did not wait for the public system appointment.
I managed to schedule an appointment that same week with an ophthalmologist who specialized in treating children and took him there.
When we arrived, I showed her the pediatrician’s report with the suspected diagnosis. She asked me to stay calm and explained that she would first rule out cataract. She performed the examination, which was negative for cataract. Then she wrote another medical report and strongly advised me not to wait in line for an appointment, as it could take too long. Due to the suspicion, she recommended that I go directly to Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA), because if cancer was confirmed, it would be the only specialized center in Rio de Janeiro for the treatment of Retinoblastoma.
With both medical reports in hand, I followed her instructions, and on Monday, August 25, 2025, I went to INCA. Thank God, I was very well assisted by Dr. Clarissa Mattosinho. I showed her the reports and shared all of my fears and anxieties. On that same day, several examinations were performed, which confirmed the lesions. Unfortunately, it was not only the right eye that was affected — lesions were also present in the left eye. The tumors were classified according to their staging system: the right eye was classified as Group B, and the left eye as Group A.
The doctor asked whether there were any cases in the family. I told her there were none, and for this reason Samuel is also undergoing genetic investigation.
From that moment on, the race against time began so that treatment could start as quickly as possible. The treatment plan was carefully explained to me. More tests were performed, and just 2 weeks later, Samuel underwent his first intra-arterial chemotherapy session, which was performed in the operating room under anesthesia. Thank God, he responded well and experienced no adverse reactions.
Today, Samuel is 11 months old. He remains under treatment for his right eye, while the left eye is currently under control. He also continues treatment for strabismus with Dr. Viviane Lanzelotte, as he developed paralysis related to the medication. Despite everything, he is a joyful and happy child.
We remain strong and faithful that healing will soon come. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for all the angels who have crossed our path and for those who continue helping us every day. I ask all mothers to remain attentive to any warning signs. If you notice anything unusual in your child, research it, take pictures, be curious — a camera flash can save not only a child’s eye, but also their life.
An early diagnosis is essential. Together, let us save more lives. If this message can help even one mother, it will already make me very happy.