Happy to be Home with His Family

REMOVING BARRIERS: Marc’s Story

Halfmoon, New York

After several years of unexplained pain in his stomach, Marc was diagnosed with myelofibrosis. It’s a rare cancer of the bone marrow that disrupts the production of blood cells.

His only cure was a bone marrow transplant.

Marc received a transplant, but he encountered many complications during treatment.

A Long Recovery Process

Marc was in treatment much longer than expected. A blood clot lead to encephalopathy. His heart stopped several times, which led to a pacemaker. He had GVHD and he may need to have a liver transplant.

He was expecting to be away from home for 1-3 months, but it took more than 6 months.

As is usual with most transplant centers, he was required to stay within 30 miles of the medical center during outpatient treatment. But Marc, his wife, and their teenage twin boys live 150 miles away.

The Caregiver Experience

Marc’s wife Talin stayed with him as a caregiver.

The transplant team requires a dedicated caregiver before they will even schedule a bone marrow transplant. Someone must be available full-time to help the patient during transplant and recovery.

A caregiver assists with transportation to the outpatient clinic, maintaining a medication schedule, and keeping an eye out for changes in the patients condition or signs of infection.

Of course, a big part of the job is love and attention.

Overcoming Obstacles/Grateful for Assistance

Marc had gone through diagnosis, treatment, and a bone marrow transplant. This was followed by medical complications and a long road to recovery. All during that time his wife took on caregiver responsibilities.

They were both far from home for 6 months. Their boys would visit by train.

Obviously, neither of them could work during treatment and outpatient recovery, but the extra expenses kept coming in.

Thanks to the support of donors like you, the Icla da Silva Foundation helped fund accommodations and meals while Marc was in treatment.

He is grateful.

“It was a relief to have financial help, especially with my wife and I being out of work and having many more expenses being in the city longer than expected. We were both shocked and became emotional by the generosity.

It is such a wonderful organization that can take a tragic event in one’s life and turn it around to ease the burden of others going through a similar situation.”   -Marc M.

Looking to the Future

Marc is still under medical supervision, but at least he is at home surrounded by his family.

Still, we’re sure he would like to get back to the way things used to be.

Marc was an 8th grade social studies teacher, dean of students, and coach for both football and basketball. He hopes he’ll be well enough to return to work in the future.

He would also like to take a much-needed vacation.

Before all that, Marc must wait for his immunity to improve. He just wants to be able to see his family and friends without masks or restrictions.

We hope that happens soon, and we wish the best for Marc and his family. The Icla da Silva Foundation was happy to play a role in his recovery.

You Can Help a Patient in their Time of Need

Your donation will help a patient overcome obstacles during treatment and put them on a path to recovery.

Please donate to ease the unexpected burdens of a patient in treatment to receive a marrow transplant.

Support our mission by making a donation today!

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Written by: Bret Itskowitch