For the newly diagnosed

You are not the first. You are not alone.

The families who wrote these Warrior Stories did it so the next patient would have what they did not: a map, a community, and a head start. Here is what they most wanted you to know, in their own words, alongside the Foundation's resources.

In their words

From the people who came before

Each quotation is drawn from a Warrior Story on this site, with a link to the full page.

Scott also believed in making every moment count—whether that meant crossing the country by train one last time or reminding everyone to get their eyes dilated (seriously, do it).
From Scott Manchee's family · Read Scott's story

He followed up diligently with his eye injections and ultrasounds. He was told that he was doing well. […] We share his story in the hopes that another family will not have to experience what we did as this disease silently spreads.
From Wayne Jacober's family · Read Wayne's story

[…] he was diagnosed with liver metastasis in January 2020. In these five years, he participated in five clinical trials. Some of those treatments have gone on to become FDA approved. He was ever optimistic for a cure.
From Chase Glosier's family · Read Chase's story

Even then, her family continued searching and asking about liver-directed treatments, clinical trials, and emerging therapies; anything that might give her more time. […] she guarded her independence ferociously and refused to allow cancer to become the whole of her story.
From Janice Felix's family · Read Janice's story

We honor Steve's memory by continuing to speak his name, share his story, and advocate for awareness and research around ocular melanoma.
From Steve Galekovic's family · Read Steve's story

Beth made her first brave and difficult decision on her cancer journey by choosing enucleation. Fully aware of the challenges that losing vision in one eye would bring, she chose the path that offered the best chance at a healthy, cancer-free future.
From Beth Hayes's family · Read Beth's story

Where to start

The Foundation's resources

Practical help from the Ocular Melanoma Foundation, which has supported patients and funded research since its founding.

Basics of OMWhat ocular melanoma is, how it is diagnosed, and what the terms mean. Treatment overviewPrimary radiation, surgery, adjuvant therapy, and treatments for metastatic disease. Clinical trialsHow to find and evaluate trials, including options for metastatic disease. Patient resourcesTravel assistance, prosthetic assistance, and the free eye exam program. Patient retreatsMeet other patients and families who understand. Living with OMDiet, lifestyle, surveillance, and the long view.

Add your wisdom

If you are a patient, a survivor, or a family member and there is something you wish someone had told you at the start, write to [email protected]. We publish contributions here with your name or anonymously, as you prefer.