REMOVING BARRIERS TO TREATMENT: Nour’s Story

Tinley Park, IL

The doctor asked her to immediately call her family. Nour was being hospitalized that day to treat a rare blood cancer, b-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Weeks earlier she was feeling fatigued, often dizzy and breathless. When bruises appeared for no reason, she made an appointment to see her doctor. Now she had to call her boss while crying to explain why she could no longer fulfill her work commitment.

The Difficult Journey Ahead

She was to begin a long and difficult journey – weeks turned into months of chemotherapy, transfusions, and radiation in preparation to receive a bone marrow transplant. During this time, she did her best to manage the side effects including nausea, weight loss, depression, anxiety, and of course fear of the outcome.

What would happen?

Nour comes from a loving family and has always cherished time with her young nieces and nephews. Her name Nour means “sunlight.” She has always been a source of light to those around her, but especially for the smallest members of her family.

Although she was in pain, and terribly thin from illness, she couldn’t stay away from the little ones. But she didn’t want them to see her sick.

So at 88 lbs, she would don her favorite wig, apply some lip liner, and put on a happy face to be with them.

They were a source of hope.

Nour explains that hope was a major factor in her recovery. Even though she was surrounded by family, she still had the feeling of being alone. No one really knew the entirety of what she was dealing with. Many patients are uncomfortable expressing their fears with loved ones.

Her medical treatment, especially over a prolonged period, led to many unexpected costs. Nour was not able to work during many months and her savings quickly depleted. She explains, “Experiencing financial struggles is very overwhelming. It caused me so much stress and anxiety.”

LifeSaving Support

Nour is very grateful to the Icla da Silva Foundation for rushing to provide financial and emotional support during an extremely difficult time. In addition to the assurance that she wasn’t facing this battle alone, we helped fund co-pays, transportation, and groceries while she fought for her life.

“Receiving your grant brought me relief and restored my hope. I felt like I had a community with me. Thank you again for everything you and your program do to help people going through this dark time.”

Nour received her bone marrow transplant and we wish her a full recovery. We hope she continues to bring light to everyone around her.

You can make a real difference as someone battles for life. A bone marrow transplant is a long and difficult journey. It brings a host of expenses that aren’t covered by most medical insurance.

Please donate today and help a patient like Nour access a life-saving transplant. You will remove barriers for a patient in their darkest time.

DONATE TODAY

Written by: Bret Itskowitch