Celebrating 25 Years Saving Lives

Hope is everything. It is the light in the eyes of those treading dark places, as they embrace the unknown with peace and fierce determination. It is the fire in the hearts of those who are suffering, a burning zest for life propelling them on through the valleys.

For twenty five wonderful years, the Icla da Silva Foundation has found hope and love holding it together. A non-profit organization with a special passion for bone marrow donor recruitment, every day brings a new sense of urgency towards the patients and their families relying on the foundation’s patient support services. The ups and downs of this kind of work may feel overwhelming at times, but where there is hope there is usually inexplicable endurance and unimaginable reward.

Show Up To A Magical Place

On October 18th, 2017 the Icla da Silva Foundation will host its annual Hope Gala. A fundraising benefit, it supports patients in need of bone marrow transplants, together with their support teams. It is also instrumental in continuing to effectively drive bone marrow donor recruitment in partnership with the Be The Match Registry.

An annual highlight of the New York event calendar, this festive celebration promises to be a fantastic experience as always. As people gather from all walks of life at Guastavino’s in New York City, it is time once again to tip our hats to the brilliant contributions of people who care. This year’s Hope Gala will be co-chaired by Claudio and Tânae Ferro and Claudio and Renata Garcia. Both Mr. Ferro and Mr. Garcia are executive leaders from AB Inbev.

Since the 2017 Hope Gala commemorates 25 years of firm foundational support provided by the Icla da Silva Foundation to a host of communities from around the world, it seemed wholly appropriate to be holding the event at Guastavino’s, New York. Nestled at the foundation of the 59th street bridge, the classic lines lead down pathways of fantasy and magical memories. Patrons and heroes gather for a glorious celebration of life, in preparation for another year providing hope to those who need it most.

Silent Musings

There is a unique opportunity to participate in the foundation’s silent auction – an interesting collection of items to pique the dullest imagination. All proceeds go towards funding the foundation’s valuable work in bone marrow donor recruitment and patient services. Exciting items on auction include something for everyone, from an original painting by Concalo Ivo to (2) round trip tickets to Rio de Janeiro via Cope Airlines to tickets and backstage tour to Dear Evan Hansen.

Why not make a little extra donation on the side, too? Each and every dollar adds a new spark of hope for those suffering and searching for a bone marrow transplant match. The gala promises to be the largest fundraising event for the Icla da Silva Foundation to date. Saving lives is no small matter.

“We have an aggressive goal to increase funds, especially to aid families who have been faced with mounting medical bills in a tough economy,” said Airam da Silva, President of the Foundation. “The Foundation will utilize every possible resource to help save as many lives as possible”

A Matter Of The Heart

This year the foundation will honor two key players in the world of bone marrow donation. The first, Dr. Jeffrey Chell, is the Chief Executive Officer of Be The Match Registry. Be The Match is currently the largest, most diverse bone marrow registry in the world. It provides hope to brave souls suffering from leukemia and other diseases requiring bone marrow transplantation. He will be receiving the Legacy of Hope Award for his superb contribution to saving lives.

The Icla da Silva Foundation will also honor East River Medical Imaging, a medical diagnostic imaging center in New York. East River Medical Imaging’s leadership in healthcare and their continued dedication to philanthropy serve a host of grateful benefactors. Their work emphasises how valuable a contribution it is possible to make when you care enough to step out.

It is not possible to name every person who deserves our recognition and gratitude. The foundation holds dear each and every person, no matter the form or weight of their contribution. We will continually express gratitude on behalf of the patients and their families benefitting from your contributions day after day.

Finally and with happy hearts, therefore, the foundation is proud to present the highlight of the entire evening. There will be an emotional first-time meeting between patient and donor. Tancrede Bouveret, a 13 year-old former leukemia patient currently living in Brazil, will finally be able to meet his life-saving bone marrow donor from Madison, WI. The patients and their generous donors may not be introduced until a full year after a successful transplant, so this is a momentous occasion for both of these brave souls.

Icla’s Legacy

In the past quarter century, the Icla da Silva Foundation has been responsible for the registration of over 500,000 potential bone marrow donors. Supporting the Be The Match Registry, it is especially important to help minorities increase the pool available for bone marrow donation. Since inception, the foundation has also facilitated more than 600 bone marrow transplants; and assisted over 2000 patients and their families with emotional, logistical and financial support.

Did you know?
There are only 30 million registered potential bone marrow donors on the Worldwide Registry.

If you wish to contribute to the foundation’s noble legacy, please consider the following ways to become involved:

• Donating financially
• Volunteering with the organization
• Registering as a potential bone marrow donor with Be The Match Registry

The patients, donors, volunteers, contributors, supporters, dedicated researchers and medical professionals involved at the foundation will gladly attest to the spirit of camaraderie which has formed within its inner circles. Commitment to granting others a second chance at life fosters a deep connection between ordinary people doing extraordinary things in the world. The foundation, too, understands the blessing of knowing this kind of love exists in the world.