Mom Notices 2-Year-Old Daughter’s Eye Turn Black on Baby Monitor. Days Later, Doctors Deliver Rare Diagnosis (Exclusive)

**Toddler’s Retinoblastoma Diagnosis Sparks Awareness Campaign**

Miley Draime, a vibrant two-and-a-half-year-old from Cleveland, Ohio, has recently captured the hearts of many on social media after her mother, Kristen Draime, shared their difficult journey with retinoblastoma, a rare form of eye cancer. The diagnosis, which has profoundly affected their family, also serves to raise awareness about the importance of early detection in childhood illnesses.

The journey began in September 2025 when Kristen first noticed signs of what appeared to be a lazy eye in her daughter. Although she was reassured by medical professionals, who indicated that strabismus is common among young children, something about Miley’s condition did not sit right with Kristen. Her motherly instincts compelled her to seek further information.

A pivotal moment came one night in November when Kristen observed a peculiar glow in Miley’s eye while bathing her. “I noticed she had a white pupil in the bathtub. It looked like a glow in her eye,” she recalled. This unsettling observation drove her to conduct further online research, eventually leading her to a story about a similar case that left her feeling anxious and alarmed.

Despite attempts by her husband to comfort her, Kristen felt an overwhelming sense that something was amiss. The following day, the family visited the emergency room, where they received the heartbreaking news: Miley had retinoblastoma. Kristen described the moment of receiving the diagnosis as “dreadful,” stating that she felt isolated and frightened about Miley’s future.

Retinoblastoma primarily affects the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye, and it is most commonly diagnosed in children. One of the critical warning signs is a white reflection in the pupil, often visible in specific lighting or in photographs. Unfortunately for Miley, her diagnosis was severe.

Less than two weeks after the diagnosis, on November 21, Miley underwent surgery to remove her affected eye, which was classified at a high-risk level. The family learned that Miley had likely been without vision in that eye for some time, although seeking comfort in the fact that the surgery was necessary for her wellbeing proved difficult for Kristen.

In the aftermath of surgery, Kristen recalled reflecting on the experience, wondering if there had been signs she missed prior to the diagnosis. Yet, she found no indications that would have led her to suspect such a serious condition. Her young daughter adapted remarkably well to the circumstances, displaying resilience beyond her years.

Miley’s journey didn’t stop there. Following the surgery, a biopsy revealed that the cancer had spread to a high-risk area, necessitating chemotherapy treatment. Kristen shared that Miley will undergo six rounds of chemotherapy, with her final session approaching soon. The treatment regimen has imposed a new reality on the family, requiring frequent hospital visits and adjustments to their daily lives.

Family life has transformed significantly, and while Kristen notes that she appreciates Miley’s resilience, she struggles with the emotional toll that watching her daughter endure treatment has taken on her. “The hardest part has been watching her be poked and prodded,” she expressed, sharing her sadness over Miley’s yearning to return to the comfort of home.

In an effort to navigate this challenging journey, Kristen turned to TikTok, initially seeking connection and support. By sharing their experiences openly, she aimed to foster a sense of community for Miley and other families facing similar battles. To her surprise, Kristen found that sharing Miley’s story resonated with many, leading to a growing network of support for both Miley and her family.

Moreover, Kristen’s commitment to spreading awareness about retinoblastoma is clear. “If you see a glow in your child’s pupil, go to the ER,” she advises fellow parents, urging them to trust their instincts when it comes to their children’s health.

Today, as Miley continues her treatment, the family remains hopeful. Kristen is grateful for the connections they have made along the way and feels encouraged by the stories of others who have faced similar experiences. She now seeks to inspire other parents to advocate for their children’s health, reassuring them that they are not alone in navigating the uncertainty of diagnoses like retinoblastoma.

With optimism for the future, Kristen reflects on the lessons learned throughout this journey, highlighting the importance of staying informed and vigilant. As Miley continues to be a source of strength for her family, they collectively cherish the support received from their growing community.