A woman used a smartphone flash to detect a rare form of cancer that her son was reportedly suffering from. 40-year-old Sarah Hedges, a mother of four from Gillingham, Kent, stumbled upon a life-altering discovery while preparing dinner one evening in November 2022. As she busied herself making shepherd’s pie, her gaze fell upon her 3-month-old son, Thomas, and something caught her eye – a peculiar “white glow” in his eye, reminiscent of a cat’s reflection. Concerned, she grabbed her smartphone and used its flash to have a closer look, capturing the anomaly in the photos. Intrigued and slightly alarmed by what she saw, Sarah took to the internet to know more about the condition her son was suffering from.
With her smartphone in hand, she snapped a few photos of Thomas with the flash on, hoping to capture the elusive glow once more. However, the glow seemed to vanish, leaving her uncertain whether it was merely a trick of the light, according to a report by SWNS.
Determined to solve the mystery behind the glow, Sarah conducted her own experiment the following day. She moved Thomas around various rooms, observing him closely under different lighting conditions until, to her dismay, the eerie glow reappeared.
Concerned by her findings, Sarah turned to the internet for answers. The search results hinted at a grave possibility – cancer. She then sought confirmation from a doctor, who initially appeared unconcerned but referred Thomas to Medway Hospital for further evaluation.
Tragically, the doctor’s worst fears were realized – Thomas was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of eye cancer. The news sent shockwaves through Sarah’s world.
Thomas’s battle against cancer began promptly, with six grueling rounds of chemotherapy commencing in November 2022. Amidst setbacks, including a bout of sepsis, Thomas endured, completing his final chemotherapy session on April 6, 2023. His triumphant moment came on May 10, 2023, when he rang the bell signifying the end of his treatment.
Despite the challenges, Sarah finds solace in her son’s resilience and zest for life. Thomas, described as a “cheeky little boy,” now revels in playful antics with his siblings, marking a remarkable journey from diagnosis to recovery.
Sarah shared the importance of vigilance and awareness, particularly regarding childhood cancer symptoms. Organizations like the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT) underscore the significance of recognizing subtle signs like the white glow in Thomas’s eye, urging early detection and intervention to save lives. In Thomas’s case, swift action and timely treatment were pivotal, offering hope for a brighter, cancer-free future.
Rohit Malhotra is a medical expert and health journalist who offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being. His articles aim to help readers lead healthier lives.
