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.

—–

Martin is a proud resident of the Bronx. He has worked construction in NYC for 36 years, he is 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 would 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

What a Difference a Year Can Make

Hollywood, FL

When we first met Marelyn, her twins, Aaron and Ryan, had just undergone a bone marrow transplant in the hopes of curing sickle cell disease. The risks were significant, but the boys were critically ill, and a transplant was their only chance.

As a single mother, Marelyn took the brave step of agreeing to the transplant and becoming their bone marrow donor.

But the transplant wasn’t successful.

Imagine receiving that news. They had been struggling for years, in and out of the hospital since birth. Marelyn was unable to work full time, and could hardly keep food on the table while caring for her sick boys. Now, their “only hope” had failed, and she was devastated.

With no one else to turn to, she fell into a deep depression.

A 2nd Chance at a Cure

The medical team was determined to try again. Marelyn was terrified, but there was no other option. She agreed and donated her stem cells a second time.

During this second chance, the Icla da Silva Foundation stepped in to support the family. We granted financial assistance to help her pay the bills and keep food on the table. Just as important, we offered emotional support.

“She told me everything was going to be okay” 

Adriana, our Patient Services Coordinator, kept in close contact with Marelyn, offering comfort and reminding her that everything would be OK. A few heartfelt text messages on a Saturday afternoon made all the difference to someone facing such overwhelming fear and uncertainty.

The 2nd transplant was successful.

Watch Marelyn’s transformation in this interview. Listen to her before and after the second transplant. See the dramatic change in her face, a result of the successful transplant and the compassionate, hands-on support from the Icla da Silva Foundation.

Today, Marelyn is happy, and her boys are thriving. She remains grateful to the Icla da Silva Foundation for our support. We were thrilled to have them at our Hope Gala in NYC to share their story. We wish them many more years of health and happiness.

How You Can Help

We couldn’t have helped Marelyn and her twins without support from generous people like you.

Your donation will help another patient reach their cure. Every dollar counts, and even a small amount can make a significant difference to a family struggling through treatment.

DONATE TODAY

Thank you for reading and watching. With your help, we will continue to make a life-changing difference.

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: 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

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

REMOVING BARRIERS TO TREATMENT: Tami’s Story

Ventura, Ca

Tami’s life took a harrowing turn when she received a leukemia diagnosis at the age of 39. It transformed her world into a fight for survival. Chemo and immunotherapy eventually put her in remission.

It was a fragile victory, but a victory nonetheless.

Fighting Two Cancers

Four years later, fate dealt another cruel blow. She was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. To make matters worse, blood tests revealed that the leukemia had returned.

Panic set in. Tami’s world turned upside down as she fought two cancers at once.

Through it all, her husband Tom was her rock. He was her biggest cheerleader, at her side every step of the way. But acting as a caregiver during treatment, while also taking care of their two children, meant less time at work.

Where Would They Get Help

There wasn’t enough money coming in to meet all of the out-of-pocket costs incurred during treatment.

A social worker at City of Hope, where Tami would receive her bone marrow transplant, mentioned a grant program called Icla Cares that might help ease their financial burden.

Tami wasn’t working, and her husband’s reduced hours while she was in treatment meant they were walking a financial tightrope.

The Icla Cares Program Was a Lifeline

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Icla da Silva Foundation provided crucial support for Tami and her family. We helped fund housing during treatment to ease their heavy financial burden.

Tami’s breast cancer was removed, and her bone marrow transplant was a success.

“It was definitely a struggle for our entire family,” Tami shared, “but thanks to the incredible support from family, friends, and this amazing program from the Icla da Silva Foundation, we survived. Those funds were a huge blessing.”

Show Your Support

A cancer journey is a physical, emotional, and financial struggle. It’s a life-threatening battle for the patient and it affects the entire family. When we remove financial barriers during treatment, we empower a family like Tami’s to focus on healing and look towards the future.

Please donate to support our mission and help a patient in their battle against blood cancer.

Your gift could provide housing assistance to a family battling cancer, just like it did for Tami’s family.

DONATE TODAY

Written by: Bret Itskowitch

REMOVING BARRIERS TO TREATMENT: Haitham’s Story

Palatine, IL

Recently, Haitham’s world overflowed with joy. He and his wife Nicole welcomed their first child, a beautiful baby boy.

Two months later, their excitement was shattered by devastating news.

A Life-Threatening Diagnosis

Haitham just wasn’t feeling right. He was struggling with fatigue and joint pain for months. Red spots suddenly appeared on his body. His wife is a Dental Hygienist; when she noticed that his gums were swollen and bleeding, she demanded he visit urgent care to get blood work.

The blood tests revealed crushing news, this new father was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). He was recommended to receive a bone marrow transplant.

A Grueling Financial Burden

With a newborn baby at home, the physical, emotional, and financial burden of blood cancer felt insurmountable.

Haitham had not been able to work since his diagnosis. He could barely stand from the fatigue. His wife Nicole was ready to return to work following maternity leave. But now with the transplant coming, she had to switch to a part-time schedule to be his caregiver.

“Things were very difficult for me and my wife,” Haitham recalls. Just as they were on the brink of losing their home and car, a social worker at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, connected them with the Icla da Silva Foundation.

Giving Him A Fighting Chance

Through the Icla Cares program, we provided funds to ensure they could afford housing and transportation while he underwent a bone marrow transplant.

Thanks to our donors, we provided support at a critical moment in their battle against blood cancer. The grant helped keep a roof over their head and maintain their only vehicle while he was in treatment. “It gave me peace of mind,” Haitham says, “knowing we wouldn’t lose everything.”

The transplant was successful. Haitham is currently in remission and slowly recovering.

He is not yet able to return to work, but he is strong enough to care for their son while his wife is at work. We wish him a full recovery and many cherished years with their baby boy.

You Can Help

The Icla da Silva Foundation offers support and hope for a family in their battle against blood cancer. For a patient in financial crisis, we provide grants for meals, transportation, and housing while they are in treatment to receive a bone marrow transplant.

Your support empowers a patient like Haitham to focus on healing. Your donation will ensure a family has the resources they need to fight a life-threatening battle.

Please donate today.

DONATE TODAY

Written by: Bret Itskowitch