JUNE 23, 2021
Not long before Marina, the baby of the family was diagnosed with eye cancer, her father lost his leg in an accident. Suddenly, the family was not only dealing with a catastrophe, but making do on a single income. A referral to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, a partner of Rock 'n' Roll, made all the difference. “There's no way I could have afforded treatment otherwise,” said Marina's mom.
Retinoblastoma is a frightening diagnosis. “I was just terrified,” said her mom. “I was afraid for my daughter’s life, and I was afraid for her to be in any kind of pain.”
But despite receiving systemic chemotherapy and chemotherapy injections directly to her right eye, Marina has remained her cheerful, affectionate and playful self with everyone, including her St. Jude care team. “She says, ‘They love me. They take care of me.’ I say, ‘Yes, they do.’”
Marina loves keeping busy with her older siblings, dancing and watching cartoons.
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