Mina and Her New Eye: Dedication and Credits

Dedication

"Mina and Her New Eye" is dedicated to Daisy Callister, diagnosed with retinoblastoma when she was 16 months old.

John and Michelle Callister sought treatment for their daughter after Michelle noticed an abnormality in Daisy’s right eye. Michelle took a photograph that captured an image of a white spot on Daisy’s pupil and showed Daisy had no red reflex in her eye. Physicians diagnosed Daisy with retinoblastoma, and a John A. Moran Eye Center surgeon removed her eye to prevent the cancer from spreading.

Today, Daisy is a healthy, happy child who enjoys creating art and spending time with her family.

The Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah published "Mina and Her New Eye" thanks to The Daisy Callister Fund, established by Daisy’s grandfather through his Edward J. Callister Foundation. The fund supports families experiencing retinoblastoma.

Illustrated by Holly Nielsen

Holly Parson Nielsen is an award-winning illustrator and recipient of the Moon Beam Gold Medal Award. Just like Mina, she spent much of her childhood drawing pictures. Though she is an adult now, she never grew very tall. Holly still can’t reach the footrest on her eye doctor’s examining chairs. You can visit her website at artbyholly.com.

Written by Lisa Ord, PhD, LSCW

Dr. Lisa Ord is an associate clinical professor in the University of Utah’s Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and has directed the John A. Moran Eye Center’s ophthalmology-based Patient Support Program since 2012.

This vital program helps people of all ages with eye problems live happy lives. Dr. Ord has published several peer-reviewed journal articles in the field of vision loss for older people. This is her first story for children.

Edited by Hailey Haffey, PhD

Dr. Hailey Haffey is an award-winning writer and researcher who works to improve healthcare outcomes through storytelling. Dr. Haffey is especially happy that she can share her work on Mina’s story with her daughter, Gracie, and niece, Tinsley.

COPYRIGHT 2022 MORAN EYE CENTER