Cool 5-Year-Old Boy Takes Up Battle With Eye Cancer

Joseph Garcia is only 5-years-old but has already overcome great odds. He has had a serious surgery and is preparing for a few more, but he’s one cool kid.

And just like most 5-year-olds, he’s very active. His aunt, Ivonne Luna, said the energetic, young boy enjoys video games and hanging out with his cousins.

But unlike most 5-year-olds, Joseph has been diagnosed with retinal blastoma, an eye cancer that required surgery to remove his eye. The condition affects about 300 children in the U.S each year.

But Joseph’s been strong all along. He’ll soon start chemotherapy while waiting for another surgery to replace his missing eye.

Luna read a letter from Joseph’s mother about a recent vacation, written one week after learning her son’s diagnosis.

“Are you sure you want to get on the roller coaster, buddy? It’s going to be scary,” the letter reads. “‘Yes Mommy, I’m not scared.’ Those were the words my 5-year-old-son Joseph said to me a week ago on our trip to San Antonio.”

Luna said Joseph’s mother, Suky, noticed at the end of July that there was a red tint in his eye. Three physicians later, Joseph was diagnosed with the eye cancer.

“You never think this is going to happen to someone that you love, and it’s very very hard,” Luna said. “All we want for him to be healthy.”

The family has faith that Joseph’s future is shining bright.

“He is a resilient, energetic loving boy who is obviously not afraid of the unknown,” Luna said.

As for Joseph, he’s as cool as can be. The only thing he was worried about during a recent interview was making sure his shades were adjusted and he smiled for the camera.

If you would like to help, the Joseph Garcia Special Fund has been set up at Security Service Federal Credit Union.