Baby Diagnosed with Rare Eye Cancer After Parents Spot White Flash in Photo
Stepan and Alina Kozariichuk, both 32, moved to the UK from Kyiv, Ukraine, in 2022, seeking a better future and hoping to start a family. They settled in Penrith, Cumbria, and after experiencing a miscarriage in December 2023, following a previous loss in Ukraine, they were overjoyed to conceive in August 2024. Their son, Bohdan, was born in May 2025, bringing hope and happiness to the couple.
Discovery of Symptoms and Diagnosis
In late 2025, the parents noticed Bohdan's eyes becoming crossed. Medical professionals examined him and identified a white reflection in his eye, which was only visible in photographs taken with a camera flash. On February 13, 2026, to their devastation, Bohdan was diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma, a rare and aggressive eye cancer that puts him at high risk of losing his vision.
On the same day as the diagnosis, the couple received news that Alina's family home in Ukraine had been destroyed by drone attacks, compounding their distress. Stepan, a factory worker, shared, "We saw something wrong with his eyes, they were crossed and he had a white reflection only visible in certain lights. We thought everything would be fine, so when doctors diagnosed him, it was very difficult."
Treatment and Challenges
Bohdan, now 10 months old, is undergoing chemotherapy at hospitals in Newcastle and Birmingham. While medics report the tumor is reducing in size after two rounds of treatment, his parents have been warned that even if he beats the cancer, he may retain little or no sight. Stepan explained, "He will have some vision, but we don't know the depth or how good it will be, it's all unknown."
The family makes weekly journeys from Cumbria to these hospitals, with Stepan having traveled approximately 4,000 miles since the diagnosis. This, combined with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, adds to their anxiety and financial strain. Stepan is taking leave from work for treatments, while Alina is on maternity pay, stretching their household income.
Fundraising and Hope for the Future
To cover travel, accommodation, and potential future medical costs for Bohdan's eyesight, the parents have started a fundraising campaign. Despite the challenges, they remain hopeful. Stepan said, "As parents, we hope for the best. Despite chemotherapy and endless hospital visits, our son still smiles, plays with his drum, watches cartoons, and reaches for toys. His strength gives us strength."
Bohdan, considered a "rainbow baby" after the couple's previous losses, continues to fight bravely. The community is rallying to support the family during this difficult time, emphasizing the importance of early detection and medical care for rare conditions like retinoblastoma.
