Colin Beach age #
RB1 DELETION/PLEOMORPHIC LIPOSARCOMA
Colin was born with a rare genetic mutation
within his chromosome, called RB1 Deletion.
This is a tumor suppressing gene and basically
means Colin cannot fight cancer; his system
actually lets cancer grow and develop. The first cancer to develop was bilateral
retinoblastoma. He has 11 tumors in his eyes, which were fought with laser
therapy and chemotherapy when he was five and a half months old. This has
left Colin blind in his left eye and with some side effects from the chemo. Colin
continually has a brain cyst checked so that a rare brain tumor does not develop,
along with other lumps and bumps that could mean potential cancers.
Unfortunately, recently a rare second malignancy occurred in which Colin
developed a rare soft tissue cancer that most retinoblastoma children do not get,
called Pleomorphic Liposarcoma. Although it was a very slow growing mass,
it is one of the most aggressive types. Colin has undergone surgeries and his
oncology doctors at Dayton Children’s monitor him closely. Despite Colin’s health
issues, he is an honor student and swims competitively which is remarkable
given his blindness in his left eye. Colin inspires everyone to live your life, keep a
positive attitude and be strong.