When a child is born with a diagnosis of retinoblastoma or is faced with any other serious visual problem, parents are never prepared to deal with the frightening reality. Dreams are shattered and families are in crisis as they "mourn" for the healthy baby they expected. The knowledge that their child has a life-threatening disease that may result in visual impairment and possibly death (although rare), quickly and dramatically changes initial feelings of joy and happiness at birth of a baby to those of shock, grief, anger, despair, and anxiety about the future. Many parents describe feeling as though they are on an emotional roller coaster, hopeful one moment and desperate the next. As one parent so beautifully said, "What I thought would be the happiest time in my life turned out to be the saddest."

Since 1987, the INSTITUTE FOR FAMILIES has offered counseling and support to families facing the devastating diagnosis of visual impairment in their child. The Institute for Families is there for every member of the family during the many difficult days, weeks, and months of treatment.