Ramona
Ramona’s letter to KAKS:
“Dear KinderAugenKrebsStiftung, every year in June, the Elbhangfest takes place in Dresden, where various stalls with goods, treats and information stands are set up to the right and left of the streets. Two women were standing at the entrance to a house. Crocheted animals were set up on a small table and the poster next to it read “Supporting the Children’s Eye Cancer Foundation”.
That interested me and I went up to the two women.
They support the Children’s Eye Cancer Foundation, raise awareness and collect donations.
I got talking to the two women and found out that their daughter had retinoblastoma.
I then told them about myself and took the information sheet with me.
I then read about it on the Internet at home.
The most difficult time was puberty, because I didn’t look like other people.
I was always ashamed of myself.
The phrase “You can’t tell” didn’t comfort me.
My learned profession is “skilled worker for ornamental plant cultivation” – that was the title in GDR times.
When I met my husband, the glass eye was never a problem for him.
I have two grown-up daughters and five grandchildren.
I am infinitely grateful for that.
I am glad that after so many years and this chance encounter at the Elbhangfest, I have the opportunity to talk to other sufferers.
At last my disease has a name and I can meet people who have had the same experience as me.
I had never heard the term retinoblastoma before.
And I always thought I was the only one in the world with this disease.”
Encourager
Ramona