The parents of a little girl who was diagnosed with cancer have shared how their keen observation went on to save their daughter’s life.
Two-year-old Shuhd Garcia was found to have bilateral retinoblastoma, a rare form of eye cancer, in November 2022 after her parents noted an unusual white reflection in her eyes in photographs. Despite undergoing chemotherapy, the tumour in the little girl’s right eye tragically spread, necessitating its removal and the fitting of a prosthetic.
Her treatment journey continued as the tumour in her left eye persisted, leading to 10 rounds of laser therapy aimed at halting its growth. With lifelong monitoring ahead to ensure the cancer does not return, her father Faiz, a 34-year-old translator from Shepherd’s Bush, London, expressed the family’s emotional turmoil over the sudden diagnosis.
“When we got her diagnosis, I couldn’t sleep and my wife was crying all the time – we didn’t know what to do.” Sharing their initial despair, he reflected: “We felt hopeless, we didn’t know how to help our daughter, and we also didn’t have any idea what this tumour was like.”
His fears for his daughter’s future intensified upon researching the condition. He explained: “When I read online what it was, I was more worried – I was really scared for Shuhd.” The first signs of his daughter’s illness appeared when she was just five weeks old, recorded inadvertently through her mother’s camera flash that captured the tell-tale white glow in her photos.
Recalling the pivotal moment, Faiz said: “We first noticed symptoms of retinoblastoma in Shuhd when she was around five weeks old. “Shuhd’s mother had taken a picture of her with the flash on. We then noticed a glare or white reflection in her eyes.”
Until his daughter’s diagnosis with retinoblastoma, Faiz admitted he hadn’t heard of the condition before, which left him and his partner feeling isolated. “It was a daunting experience, but learning more about it and receiving support has been crucial,” he said.
Concerned for his daughter’s health, Faiz sought medical advice, but after being told by the GP that referral to an optician might be slow, he took action and took Shuhd directly to A&E at St Mary’s Hospital. Their prompt response led to a referral to Great Ormond Street Hospital, London.
But the diagnosis didn’t come easy. “It wasn’t until she was eleven weeks old and after thorough examinations at the Royal London Hospital that the diagnosis was fully confirmed as bilateral retinoblastoma – cancer in both of her eyes. This period was incredibly challenging and filled with uncertainty, but receiving a definitive diagnosis was a crucial step in moving forward with her treatment.”
As they faced this adversity, Faiz and his wife learned that Shuhd would need to undergo chemotherapy, a revelation that marked the beginning of their fight against her condition. Shuhd bravely faced two rounds of chemotherapy, but the relentless cancer in her right eye defied treatment, leading doctors to opt for its removal and fit a prosthetic.
“The chemotherapy just wasn’t working, it was spreading at a speed that doctors couldn’t control,” her father explained. She endured six cycles of chemo, complemented by laser therapy and cryotherapy. Amid these treatments, she underwent an enucleation – the surgical removal of her right eye – while still on chemotherapy.
“Each of these options carried its own set of challenges and implications, but they were all necessary steps to address her condition effectively and to keep her alive,” the distraught dad explained. A mere three weeks post-surgery, Shuhd resumed chemotherapy which she completed in November 2023.
Yet, a mere three months later, the cancer persisted, necessitating another half-year of laser therapy. Faiz shared: “Shuhd continues to be monitored after receiving treatment. After the initial treatments that she received, there was a relapse of her tumours a few months later. However, after they were treated with laser therapy, we haven’t had any concerns during the last two or three visits.”
The journey is far from over, as Shuhd’s health will require lifelong monitoring to ensure the cancer does not return. Despite the challenges she’s faced, Faiz describes his daughter as a “happy girl” who relishes her time outdoors.
He shared: “Shuhd is just like any other child. She loves to play, enjoys it when I read books to her, and adores walks in the park.” He continued, “She’s a very happy little girl who loves being out and about.”
Her father also noted her infectious enthusiasm for life: “She has an incredible zest for life, always moving around with joy, and everybody who meets her is charmed by her delightful personality.”
The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT) is on a mission to raise awareness among parents and health professionals about the key symptoms of eye cancer, which include a white glow in the eye seen in flash photography or certain lighting conditions, and a squint.
Richard Ashton, Chief Executive of CHECT, highlighted the rarity and subtlety of the disease. “Retinoblastoma is rare, with around one baby or young child being diagnosed in the UK each week,” he explained.
“Symptoms can be quite subtle, and children often seem well in themselves which can make it hard to recognise that anything is wrong. In just under half of all cases, a child must have an eye removed as part of their treatment. We are grateful Shuhd’s symptoms were recognised early, allowing her to receive treatment.
He also offered guidance for other concerned parents. “If you are worried that a child you know may have retinoblastoma, please get them seen by a GP or optician ASAP,” he advised. “Contact the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust support team at support@chect.org.uk and they will provide you with information to take along to your appointment”.
