Boy, 5, loses eye after routine pre
- Riley Thompson was diagnosed with an optic nerve glioma following a pre-school eye exam in February 2024.
- The diagnosis led to surgery where he lost his right eye, but he is now cancer-free.
- His family is committed to raising awareness and funds for brain tumor research through community initiatives.
In February 2024, a routine pre-school eye test revealed a serious health issue for five-year-old Riley Thompson in Renfrewshire, Scotland. Riley was diagnosed with an optic nerve glioma, a rare brain tumor, after his mother noticed a squint in his eye. The tumor, which was compressing his eye, required surgical removal, but the procedure tragically resulted in Riley losing his eye. Despite this, Riley is now cancer-free and shows resilience as he prepares to participate in fundraising walks for brain tumor research. His journey has not only been challenging for him but has also impacted his family, particularly his devoted mother, Nicole, who was initially unaware of the severity of the situation despite her medical background. Nicole highlights the importance of vigilant health checks, urging parents to seek medical advice if they notice anything unusual with their children’s eyesight. This story reflects a poignant reminder of the risks associated with brain tumors, which claim the lives of more young individuals than leukemia. Riley's family is now actively promoting awareness about brain tumors and taking part in the '99 Miles in November' challenge to support Brain Tumor Research. Their efforts aim to highlight the significance of research funding for this devastating condition. Community leaders also emphasize the urgent need for more investment in brain tumor research to prevent similar tragedies. This heartwarming narrative showcases the inspiring courage of a young boy facing adversity and the family's commitment to make a difference in the fight against brain tumors.