Young Eye Cancer Survivors Pedal Toward a Cure

Six-year-olds Hannah Ratino and Lyla Bunofsky are like many kids their age—full of energy, laughter, and a love for adventure. Whether it’s gymnastics, basketball, or roller coasters for Hannah, or softball, swimming, and voice lessons for Lyla, they spend their days on the go.

The two girls are connected by more than friendship—they also share a story of strength and resilience. Hannah and Lyla are survivors of retinoblastoma, a rare pediatric eye cancer. Their health journeys have brought their families together in a powerful way. In July 2025, the girls are riding in the annual VeloSano Trike & Bike event to raise funds for pediatric cancer research at Cleveland Clinic Children’s.

“They know they’re helping other kids with cancer,” says Meggen Ratino, Hannah’s mom. “Last year, Hannah didn’t quite understand the full impact. But this year, she’s starting to get it.”

Lyla’s mom, Jenna Bunofsky, formed a fundraising team for the 2024 event called Eye Fight to Win—it includes young survivors of retinoblastoma riding for a meaningful cause. Since its inception in 2018, Trike & Bike has raised more than $1.6 million for pediatric cancer research at Cleveland Clinic Children’s. But for these families, the event has also created a lasting bond.

According to Arun Singh, MD, Director of Ophthalmic Oncology at Cleveland Clinic’s Cole Eye Institute, only about 250 cases of retinoblastoma are diagnosed annually in the U.S. Fortunately, it’s also one of the most curable cancers when caught early—often before a child’s first birthday.

“It’s a privilege to care for these children and see them thrive,” says Dr. Singh, who treated Hannah and Lyla. “Even when vision is lost in one eye, children bounce back quickly. They smile and move forward.”

That’s certainly true for Hannah. Diagnosed with tumors in both eyes, she underwent cryotherapy and laser treatments. While her left eye has excellent vision, her right eye had to be surgically removed. But Hannah, wears her sparkly pink prosthetic eye—her “magic eye”—with pride.

“Pixie dust and magic worked for Hannah from the beginning,” says Meggen. “She still calls it her magic eye.”

Lyla’s diagnosis came at 10 weeks old, when Jenna noticed a reddish-pink glow in her daughter’s eye —a sign of retinoblastoma. By the time she was 8 months old, Lyla completed six rounds of chemotherapy. Because of the tumor size, Lyla lost vision in her right eye but no longer has evidence of cancer.

“She’s just a typical, fun-loving kid,” says Jenna. “Seeing out of one eye is all she’s ever known. Kids adapt so easily.”

Dr. Singh, who has published more than 500 scientific articles on ophthalmic tumors, is proud of the girls’ efforts to support cancer research. He also advocates for “Know the Glow,” a nonprofit raising awareness of leukocoria—the white or yellow glow in the pupil that can signal eye disease.

It was that awareness that led to early diagnoses for both Hannah and Lyla. Jenna urges other parents to trust their instincts: “If something seems off, don’t ignore it. It’s better to be safe than sorry.”

As the Eye Fight to Win team gears up for another ride, they’re not only pedaling for fun—they’re riding with purpose, with sparkle, and with the strength of survivors.