Since being diagnosed with retinoblastoma (cancer in his right eye) in 2023, four-year-old Wilchi Paddy Kapin has endured countless hospital visits and treatments.
Despite the challenges, his courage and bright spirit continue to shine, offering hope to other families facing the same battle.
Retinoblastoma is the second most common cancer in children, and it affects children under the age of 5.
Wilchi’s mother, Normajean Gapi, said that a lot has happened since 2023 when he was diagnosed when he was just a year old.
“In 2023, after Wilchi got chemotherapy for six months at the Port Moresby General hospital, we went over to the Philippines where he had almost eight weeks of intraocular chemotherapy, a procedure that delivers cancer-fighting medicine directly into the eye along with weekly examinations.”
“In February 2024, Wilchi had his right eye removed and we have had about three to four visits to the hospital for his checks.”
“Wilchi had his first prosthetic eye fitted in 2024 and he has had this for over a year which cost us about K2, 500 for the eye alone.”
Normajean said that a few months ago, they went back to the Philippines where he was supposed to have his MRI scan, his chest X-ray and his eye examined to see that his left eye is still okay, however, was not able to have an MRI as he ended up getting sick.
While there, Wilchi had genetic testing done to determine whether the cancer was caused by a gene mutation from both parents or an inherited gene from one parent.
Wilchi’s genetic test results were released on Friday, November 7, 2025, confirming that he carries the RB1 gene linked to retinoblastoma.
His doctor, Dr. Lingao, explained that this means Wilchi has a higher risk of developing secondary cancers such as brain, bone, or skin cancer, conditions that sometimes affect retinoblastoma survivors.
The results also indicate that the gene can be passed on to his future children.
The family who are just processing the news, are preparing for further testing, including a family variant test that must be completed within 150 days of Wilchi’s blood collection in July, leaving about three months to complete it.
Today, Wilchi continues his journey with strength and courage. But his fight isn’t over yet.
To continue his treatment and monitoring, Wilchi urgently needs to undergo several important medical tests which include eye examinations, an MRI brain scan, chest X-ray, and other follow-up procedures. The total cost is estimated at K30, 000 per trip.
His family is doing everything they can but greatly needs assistance.
Any contribution big or small will go a long way in helping Wilchi get the care he needs and give him the chance to live a healthy, happy life.
