On July 7th, Islas was officially diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma at only 10 months old. The tumors are on both of his eyes and have caused both of his retinas to detach. At this point he is almost completely blind due to the cancer and they don’t know how much of his sight will return. He can see light and maybe some contrast but that’s all. His chemo treatments are being done at the Children’s Hospital in St Louis which is 270 miles round trip and each session is 2-3 days long. His next treatment will be on his first birthday. Because this cancer is so aggressive, there can be no delaying any treatment.

Cancer treatments don’t end at the hospital, Islas also has to go in for regular hearing tests because the chemo can cause hearing loss, twice weekly labs an hour away, and monthly clinic visits in St Louis. Every trip requires time away from work and their other children.

Dennis is a Piedmont City police officer and a volunteer fireman. Stephanie and Dennis moved here from Florida to provide a better life for their growing family. Stephanie told me this is the first time that they feel like they have a community. She and I have been friends for a very long time. She and Dennis have both been a huge help to our family. Anytime I say hey we are having a fundraiser she says just tell me what you need. Now it's our turn! They say it takes a village to raise a child. We are Islas' village.