Guatemalan Baby’s Fight Against Eye Cancer Brings Hope at St. Jude

At just 9 months old, Charlye was diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma, a rare form of eye cancer affecting both eyes, in Guatemala, where his family lives.

The diagnosis was devastating. Doctors in Guatemala told Charlye’s parents that, in their country, the only available option was to remove both of his eyes. Unable to accept that as their only possibility, his parents decided to seek another opinion and pursue every treatment option available.

A retina specialist who had trained at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital told the family about the hospital and helped them obtain a referral. In November 2025, Charlye and his mother, Sarvia, traveled to Memphis, Tennessee, for treatment.

For Sarvia, leaving Guatemala was an emotional experience. She said she packed her suitcases with tears in her eyes and said goodbye to her husband and two daughters before traveling with Charlye.

From the moment they arrived, the family received assistance from St. Jude. They were transported from the airport to the hospital and helped find accommodation while Charlye underwent treatment. Sarvia said she was also reassured that families receiving care at St. Jude do not receive bills for treatment, travel, housing or food.

After a series of tests, doctors determined that Charlye’s tumors were large. They believed there was a possibility of saving his right eye, but removing his left eye was unavoidable.

Although hearing that news was heartbreaking, Sarvia said the medical team reassured her that Charlye could live with one eye and that the hospital would continue to support him throughout his treatment.

Charlye underwent surgery to remove his left eye. He also received chemotherapy, along with laser treatment and cryotherapy aimed at destroying tumor cells in his right eye.

Sarvia said she will never forget the support she received from St. Jude nurses and staff on the day of her son’s surgery. Their words of encouragement helped her through one of the most difficult moments of her life.

Charlye continues to receive the treatment he needs, and his mother says she is grateful to see him improving and smiling again.

Despite everything he has been through, Charlye remains a young child who enjoys the simple things in life. He loves being outdoors, riding in the car, playing on the playground and kicking a soccer ball. He is also learning to speak and continues to show his personality through the things he likes and dislikes.

For Sarvia, her son’s journey has been filled with fear, uncertainty and hope. She expressed deep gratitude to St. Jude and its donors for the care and support her family has received.

“Angels do exist,” Sarvia said, describing how the experience has inspired her to keep fighting for her son day after day.

For Charlye and his family, the journey is not over. But after a devastating diagnosis and a difficult journey from Guatemala to Tennessee, they now have hope as Charlye continues his treatment and works toward a healthier future.

source: https://www.stjude.org/about-st-jude/stories/meet-our-patients/meet-charlye.html