Schaumburg, IL

When Sarah was diagnosed with a rare cancer that forms tumors on bone, her life was upended. A tumor on her pelvis forced her to take unpaid leave under FMLA.

It protected her health insurance but left her without income.

As treatment went beyond 12 weeks, her employer chose not to extend FMLA, and Sarah was let go. She applied for unemployment, but because she was not able to work due to illness, she was deemed ineligible.

Over time, her condition worsened. Her diagnosis evolved to multiple myeloma and later she developed POEMS syndrome, a rare and complex disorder with symptoms that include severe neuropathy.

After a year without income, the combination of medical and living expenses became overwhelming. Bills piled up, and her situation was unbearable.

Asking for help was difficult for Sarah. Family and friends were there for her, but the financial burden grew worse as her treatments became more frequent and intense.

Providing A Lifeline

When it came time for her stem cell transplant, the treatment that could save her life, she faced insurmountable financial barriers. Cancer had already taken away her job and her income. The mounting costs of medical care and living expenses left her overwhelmed.

That’s when the Icla da Silva Foundation stepped in, providing essential financial support when she needed it most. This lifeline gave Sarah the means to proceed with her transplant, covering critical expenses like her hotel stay during stem cell collection. For many patients, relocation is required before and after transplant, but those costs weren’t covered by her insurance.

Grateful for the support, Sarah shared, “Thank you so much for granting me assistance. It should cover most of the hotel bill from my stem cell collection and allow me to get some happy food to eat while holed up in my room for the next few weeks.”

Sarah’s stem cell transplant was a success! While her journey isn’t over, we’re hopeful for her full recovery and proud to have given her a 2nd chance at life.

Your generosity makes a story like Sarah’s possible. Every gift, no matter the size, can be the lifeline a patient needs to overcome the unimaginable challenges of cancer.

DONATE TODAY

Thanks for reading.

Written by: Bret Itskowitch

Ridgewood, NJ

When Haksung and his family moved from South Korea to the U.S. a year ago, they faced the challenges of adapting to a new culture and language. Then came the unexpected. Haksung was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

His concern wasn’t for himself, but for his family. He worried about how they would manage without him, especially his 14-year-old daughter. She was struggling with anxiety from the culture shock.

Now, they all faced an uncertain future together.

Despite fatigue, Haksung continued working part-time from home to keep his family afloat. But his income was cut in half, he was consumed with worry about providing for them. How would he afford to keep food on the table? How would they cover the transportation back-and-forth to the hospital?

That’s when the Icla da Silva Foundation stepped in. We provided critical support to help Haksung prepare for his bone marrow transplant. They literally had nowhere else to turn. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we were able to grant funds for gas and groceries, which were essential during his treatment.

Finding a donor match proved difficult due to his ethnicity, but in an incredible turn of events, his daughter was a match. Even though she was only 14, and battling anxiety, she donated her stem cells to save her father’s life.

Haksung’s journey is far from over, but thanks to the support he received, he feels hopeful. “Your program gives me hope for our future. Thank you.”

You Can Help a Patient Like Haksung

Haksung’s story is just one example of the many families who face overwhelming challenges while battling blood cancer. Your generosity can make a difference. Donate today to help provide critical assistance to a patient like Haksung and give them hope for a brighter future.

DONATE TODAY

Thanks for reading.

Written by: Bret Itskowitch

Goodyear, AZ

If you’re a parent, you probably remember when your child had an ear infection. It’s very common, but you still worry. No one wants to see their little person in pain. Usually, a warm compress, maybe a visit to the doctor, and it goes away.

Kelsey and Austen thought the same when their three-year-old daughter, Blakely, began tugging on her ear. But as their little girl’s discomfort grew, they thought it could be something more serious, so they brought her to the ER.

That visit to the emergency room turned their world upside down. Blakely was rushed in an ambulance to the main hospital, and then her Mom and Dad were told the four words that no parent ever wants to hear: “Your child has leukemia.“

Blakely was diagnosed with AML (acute myeloid leukemia).

Because of the leukemia, her ear infection turned into mastoiditis and she required a double mastoidectomy. Then she underwent several cycles of chemotherapy until she finally reached remission.

Since Blakely was considered high-risk, the doctors told Mom and Dad that a bone marrow transplant was her only chance of survival.

At first, there was hope—two perfect donor matches were found on the national registry. But that hope faded quickly when the first donor didn’t pass the medical exam, and the second one backed out.

After six months of treatment, they performed a bone marrow transplant using Blakely’s Father as the donor. Tragically, the cells didn’t take.

With her life hanging in the balance, they tried one last option. After more rounds of chemotherapy and radiation to prepare her little body, Blakely received a stem cell donation from her Mommy.

The transplant was successful.  

She was three-years-old when she first went to the ER. It seemed like a lifetime had passed by the time she turned four, but now this little girl was finally able to go home.

Their journey was nothing short of terrifying. Blakely fought bravely through countless treatments while her parents battled the ups and downs of their daughters medical crisis. Daddy juggled work and caring for their older daughter at home, while her Mother stopped working to stay by Blakely’s side in the hospital.

The financial toll was overwhelming. Half of their income disappeared, while expenses dramatically increased. Thanks to support from the Icla da Silva Foundation, Kelsey and Austen were able to receive financial assistance for crucial needs during their darkest days.

Kelsey shared her grateful message with us, “Your assistance has allowed me to worry less about our loss of income and truly focus on being there for Blakely. We couldn’t have done it without the support from an amazing foundation like yours!”

You can make a difference for a little girl like Blakely, as they fight to receive a lifesaving bone marrow transplant. Your donation will provide critical support to a family who is facing the unimaginable.

DONATE TODAY

Please donate and help us be there for those who need us most.

Written by: Bret Itskowitch

Bronx, NY

Martin recently shared his journey to receive a life-saving bone marrow transplant. He describes a difficult process, with every step resulting in a new struggle, another challenge to overcome before he could proceed on his journey.

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Martin is a proud resident of the Bronx. He has worked construction in NYC for 36 years, he’s an electrician for local No. 3.

Last year, he became overwhelmed by an unexplained weakness. He was always tired on the job, and he couldn’t perform the way he used to. This wasn’t old age creeping up on him, this was something different. The fatigue he felt was extreme.

But the job wouldn’t wait and Martin was laid off.

Just a few weeks later, he was diagnosed with blood cancer, multiple myeloma. A bone marrow transplant was his only chance for survival.

This difficult news was followed by a litany of treatments and tests to prepare him for a transplant.

But as the weeks passed, Martin had difficulty walking. His legs swelled to the point that he couldn’t move without pain. His next diagnosis was bilateral DVT – dangerous blood clots in both legs. They prescribed blood thinners and the transplant was put on hold for a few months.

Finally, Martin was ready for the delicate process of aphaeresis.

They collected his stem cells, millions of them, to freeze and store in preparation for an autologous stem cell transplant. He was going to return to the hospital in a few days to undergo high-dose chemotherapy, clearing the cancer from his bone marrow. Then they would re-introduce his own stem cells to produce new, healthy cells.

Everything seemed to be moving forward – until it wasn’t.

Martin spiked a fever of 104 degrees, he turned yellow. He was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with liver failure. His body battled for 22 days while his family slept on chairs in his hospital room.

Thanksgiving came and went while he lay in a hospital bed, facing a seemingly endless cycle of new diagnoses and treatments. Each step forward seemed to come with another setback. By the time he was finally ready to receive his transplant, Martin was losing hope, and his savings had disappeared.

That’s when the Icla da Silva Foundation stepped in.

We provided Martin with the financial support he desperately needed to cover essential expenses. Beyond that, we offered emotional support, checking in regularly to be there for both Martin and his daughter Emily – his rock throughout this ordeal – to offer a listening ear and comfort during some of their toughest moments. We even searched outside our Foundation, helping the family find additional resources for assistance.

For 32 years, the Icla da Silva Foundation has been helping patients like Martin navigate these difficult journeys. We remove barriers to treatment during their greatest time of need. But we can’t continue this work without your help.

Your donation will directly assist patients, especially when they have nowhere else to turn.

Please donate to help a patient like Martin in their fight for survival.

DONATE TODAY

The transplant was successful, and Martin was extremely grateful.

“I cannot thank you enough,” Martin shared in a moment of reflection, “I honestly would not have known what to do by myself. You helped me navigate a very rough course in life, and I’m extremely grateful.“

As Martin continues his journey to recovery, we wish him many years of health and happiness.

With your support, we will continue to help patients receive the help they need. Please donate today.

Thanks for reading Martin’s story.

Written by: Bret Itskowitch

REMOVING BARRIERS TO TREATMENT: Diana’s Story

Dallas, TX

Diana was experiencing overwhelming fatigue. It didn’t make sense, she had just celebrated her birthday with friends and family. Everything was fine. Suddenly, she had no strength.

After arriving at the hospital, she was immediately admitted. Her blood counts were so low, they were surprised she was still able to stand. A few days later, she received a life-threatening diagnosis, non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

It took ten months of treatment before CAR-T cell therapy was scheduled. In all that time, she was unable to work. Her husband had to sacrifice his full-time job to be her caregiver, adding to their financial burdens.

Cancer is frightening, treatment is physically draining, and the financial hardship is overwhelming. Medical bills, utilities, and groceries were becoming increasingly difficult to afford.

Support during such a challenging time is crucial

The Icla da Silva Foundation provided financial assistance that played a significant role in Diana’s recovery. It gave her family a chance to catch their breath and regroup, without the looming threat of unpaid bills.

The foundation’s assistance was a lifeline, providing much-needed relief during a challenging time. Diana shared that when she read the email from us, she felt a wave of gratitude wash over her.

“I feel grateful. Any help comes a long way. Thank you for choosing me and my family during this difficult time.”

Diana hopes this support will help them get back on track and believes it might even alleviate her stress-induced headaches from the constant worry.

You Can Help

Your support can make a difference. By donating to the Icla da Silva Foundation, you can help patients like Diana receive the financial assistance they need to focus on recovery. Every contribution, no matter how small, can provide a lifeline for families facing the challenges of cancer.

Join us in making a difference. Together, we can help patients like Diana find hope and healing.

DONATE TODAY

Written by: Bret Itskowitch

REMOVING BARRIERS TO TREATMENT: Robert’s Story

Manteno, IL

Bob is a heavy equipment operator. He and his wife Kelly are hardworking people. They live in a small town and take care of Kelly’s elderly father who lives with them. Despite their limited means, they were working towards a goal of eventually retiring and just taking it easy for a while. They wanted to spend more time together.

That sounds like a wonderful plan, but their life was devastated by a rare blood cancer.

Diagnosis

In the beginning, Robert thought it was a hernia. He had great difficulty getting up and down from the machinery and he was overwhelmed by fatigue. Things got worse from there.

Since diagnosis, Robert has been unable to work. His wife Kelly had to leave her job to provide full-time care for him. The medical appointments required a three-hour trip each way to the hospital.

Bob tells us that he was angry, and admits that he was afraid.

Losing Hope

Cancer crushed their hopes and dreams.

Imagine his frustration. He went from operating heavy machinery to not being able to drive his own car due to disease. Savings were depleted and he barely had the strength to get up off the bed. His wife Kelly was heartbroken watching her husband suffer, and she was painfully worried about the outcome.

Bob lost hope. He was ready to give up. He didn’t see how they could afford this, and he didn’t like what it was doing to his wife.

Delivering Hope

Robert was facing a daunting journey. A bone marrow transplant is physically and emotionally draining, and the financial burden can be overwhelming. Bob and his wife Kelly needed to relocate for an extended period to receive treatment.

The Icla da Silva Foundation is dedicated to providing essential support to patients and their families during this challenging time. Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, we were able to alleviate one of Robert and Kelly’s biggest burdens by providing them with lodging nearby. This crucial support allowed them to focus on what mattered most, Robert’s health and recovery.

Robert was extremely grateful to receive support. He shares that when he was first notified, he and his wife cried together. “Everything you’ve done for us was a miracle and a blessing all in one. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

He insists that we changed his perspective and gave him hope.

“It was a 6 hour drive for an appointment until you helped us with financial support. Now we’re 3 minutes away from my appointments, 3 minutes away from my transplant. My wife can be here with me. We don’t have to worry about not having gas, not eating, or not being able to make it. She can just hold my hand.”

“I didn’t know how we would do this until until you came along. You were the answer to our prayers, thank you.”

You Can Help

You can help assist a patient like Bob during a devastating fight with blood cancer. Your gift, no matter the size, will help ease their journey just a little. Your donation will return hope and help them fight their battle.

donate today

Written by: Bret Itskowitch

REMOVING BARRIERS TO TREATMENT: Jolyn’s Story

St. Petersburg, FL

Jolyn is a dedicated nurse. Day after day she worked the oncology floor, helping patients and their families navigate the grueling journey that follows every cancer diagnosis.

Until she received her own devastating news, Jolyn was diagnosed with leukemia.

As a seasoned nurse, she understood the challenges firsthand. But the reality of her illness hit hard. Weakened by two years of treatment, she was unable to work and faced overwhelming stress as she prepared for a bone marrow transplant.

Jolyn was candid about her need for assistance. Financial help is crucial because cancer-related expenses create a significant burden. “I’m not able to work due to my disease and social security doesn’t get me through the month. With the bills piling up, even buying food becomes a challenge”.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Icla da Silva Foundation stepped in to provide lifesaving support.

“I feel blessed to receive support from the Icla da Silva Foundation. They understand the struggles and the assistance they provide is critical”.

Jolyn’s story is a powerful reminder of the challenges cancer patients face. It’s more than financial assistance, it’s a lifeline that eases their burden and helps them fight back.

As she continues her battle against cancer, she knows that she is not alone. We wish Jolyn a full recovery.

Your support can help a patient like Jolyn as they take on the life-threatening challenge of blood cancer. Your donation will make a difference.

DONATE TODAY

Written by: Bret Itskowitch

REMOVING BARRIERS TO TREATMENT: Robert’s Story

Port Washington, WI

Bob’s world was shattered when he was diagnosed with blood cancer. He was already working two jobs to shoulder the financial burdens that included prior medical debt. His diagnosis forced him to stop working, and the looming bone marrow transplant meant he would be out of work for months.

In this critical moment, the Icla da Silva Foundation became a lifeline, stepping in to keep the lights on.

Support extended even further, providing funds for Bob to stay at Kathy’s House – a haven near the transplant center crucial for his recovery.

Bob told us that he was so grateful for the extra help. “I never wanted to ask, but the social workers convinced me. This had made all the difference.” With their worries eased, Bob can focus on his battle, and a chance to fight for his future and his family.

Bob’s t-shirt says it all, ‘Everything’s Gonna be Alright.’

We wish him a full recovery following his bone marrow transplant.

Your support can offer a family like Bob’s a fighting chance in their battle against blood cancer. Please consider making a donation that funds critical needs like lodging, meals, and transportation while a patient is in treatment to receive a bone marrow transplant.

MAKE A DONATION

Written by: Bret Itskowitch

REMOVING BARRIERS TO TREATMENT: Donna’s Story

Floosmoor, IL

Donna’s cancer diagnosis brought a daunting challenge. Treatment meant months without work, leaving her to face mounting bills.

She needed assistance while preparing for a bone marrow transplant, but she was afraid to ask.

Donna has always been the one helping others. She lived a life of giving. She was a school teacher, a caretaker for elderly family members, and a maternal neighborhood figure, taking local children to summer camp through her church.

Now it was her turn to ask for help, but it put her in an uncomfortable position.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Icla da Silva Foundation stepped in to provide critical support during her treatment. Donna told us that when the email came through, indicating that she would receive support, there was only $12 in her bank account. We provided crucial funds for meals and transportation to medical appointments. We also helped her keep the lights on while she was unable to work due to disease.

Donna was happy to express her gratitude.

“Sometimes, no one knows the distress that someone may be in. I was struggling, financially, silently. I continued to care for my aunt and my mom! I’m fortunate to have credit cards so I had resources. It was just awesome to be selected to receive help from Icla da Silva Foundation. It made me feel like I wasn’t alone and that someone cared!”

Donna’s bone marrow transplant was successful and we wish her a full recovery.

She looks forward to being able to give again.

Your generosity can make a life-changing difference for someone like Donna in their most vulnerable moment. Please make a donation today.

MAKE A DONATION

Written by: Bret Itskowitch

REMOVING BARRIERS TO TREATMENT: Paul’s Story

Mckeesport, PA

We received this heartfelt letter from a patient’s wife, sharing how our financial assistance program provided them with much-needed support during their battle with cancer.

We want to thank your organization for helping us pay our electric bill (they were about to shut the lights off). There was even money left over for groceries. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

There are no government programs for people like us…we make too much to receive assistance, but not enough to get through the month, especially since my husband is not able to work right now due to his cancer.

Our daughter struggles with addiction, so we take care of our 4-year-old granddaughter. There is no assistance for grandparents who take custody to keep their grandchild out of the foster care system. We would never allow that to happen. She is the light of our lives.

If it weren’t for your program, we would have NOTHING – no assistance.

Paul is very quiet, so I will speak for him and say THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR WHAT YOU DO….If there is ever a time when we can give back, we definitely will!!!

Thank you again from Paul and Kristie 😊

We are happy to report that Paul received his stem cell transplant and is on the road to recovery.

Paul’s story, shared by his wife Kristie, is just one example of how the Icla da Silva Foundation is making a difference in the life of a patient facing financial hardship during cancer. The options for support while fighting a life-threatening disease are very limited. And timing is obviously important.

We were able to provide immediate support thanks to the generosity of donors like you.

Will you help us continue?

Your donation, no matter how large or small, can make a huge difference in the difficult journey to receive a bine marrow transplant. Please consider making a gift today, help us keep the lights on and food on the table for those who need it most.

DONATE

Written by: Bret Itskowitch