Removing Katie’s Barrier to Treatment

We received a heartfelt message from a blood cancer patient last week. It read simply, “You are the answer to my prayer.”

The message was sent to us by Katie. She is a single mom, diagnosed with leukemia whose only cure is a bone marrow transplant.

For 29 years, we have supported patients who require a bone marrow transplant. We are very familiar with the challenges and barriers to receiving a life–saving transplant. It usually begins with the search for a matching donor.

Katie already had a matching donor, and she was ready for her transplant. But the transplant team would not schedule her until she could make arrangements for a Caregiver.

A Caregiver was required to assist her for an extended period after the transplant.

Katie’s insurance, like most, did not cover the expense of a Caregiver.

This was Katie’s barrier.

She has been unable to work since her diagnosis and she required a little support. Fortunately, the Icla da Silva Foundation provided Katie with the financial support she needed to arrange for a Caregiver.

Katie is scheduled to receive her transplant.
​
The Icla da Silva Foundation helps patients in need of a bone marrow transplant by removing barriers. We do this by providing emotional, logistical, and critical financial support. Our goal is to ensure that more patients will receive their transplants.

For patients demonstrating financial need, we help with expenses that usually aren’t covered by insurance and often prohibit treatment. These include transportation, temporary housing, and caregiver expenses while in treatment.

You can help us save more lives! Consider making a financial donation to support our mission. Together we will help more patients and save more lives.

make a donation

If you are a patient waiting for a bone marrow transplant, and in need of support, please submit a request

submit a request

Thanks for reading.

Written by: Bret Itskowitch