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

REMOVING BARRIERS TO TREATMENT: Cindy’s Story

Hope, ID

Cindy and her husband were enjoying retirement, but their golden years were threatened when she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The only path to a cure was a bone marrow transplant, a long and arduous therapy that carries a high risk of complications. The news overwhelmed Cindy and her husband, but she was determined to fight.

Following her diagnosis, Cindy spent two critical months in the hospital.

After being approved for a transplant, they had to relocate to Seattle. Treatment is intensive and bone marrow transplant patients are required to stay within 30 miles of the transplant center in case of complications.

Her husband packed up their dog Murphy and moved in with family to be closer to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center.

It was a scary, challenging time. Battling her disease was compounded by the stress of mounting expenses. No one plans to receive a diagnosis of blood cancer. As a couple on a fixed retirement income, the added cost of housing, transportation, and meals while in treatment was a lot to take on. How would they get through this?

That’s when the Icla da Silva Foundation stepped in. Thanks to the generosity of donors, we provided critical funds for transportation and meals during treatment.

Cindy was grateful for the support she received.

“The assistance helped us stress less about all the bills and focus more on getting well. Having cancer is stressful enough. It’s wonderful knowing that there is an organization like the Icla da Silva Foundation to lessen the burden.”

Her transplant was successful and we wish Cindy a full recovery.

Will you help a patient like Cindy as they battle a life-threatening blood cancer? Your donation will give them hope and strength to face each day.

Please donate today.

DONATE TODAY

Written by: Bret Itskowitch

REMOVING BARRIERS TO TREATMENT: Valeria’s Story

Huntington Station, NY

Imagine your baby spending months in the ICU, those tiny fingers and toes grasping for life.

Baby Valeria was born with a rare genetic blood disorder. She faced unimaginable challenges before reaching her first birthday. A stroke, heart attack, and collapsed lungs all threatened this little warrior’s life.

For Valeria’s single mom Marcia, the world came crashing down. Forced to leave her job and apartment, she found herself facing her daughter’s fight alone, sleeping in the hospital on a chair.

The emotional and financial burden seemed insurmountable.

We learned about their story when Valeria was scheduled to receive a life-saving bone marrow transplant at only 10 months. Helping patient families navigate the difficult journey before and after transplant is what we do.

The Icla da Silva Foundation stepped in to help a mother in need.

Thanks to the generous donors that stand with us, we provided Marcia and her baby with a safe haven, a warm place to recover as the transplant worked its magic.

We also offered Marcia something just as crucial: emotional support and a shoulder to lean on. Our team member Adriana became a beacon of hope for Marcia, guiding this single mother through her darkest moments.

“Thanks to my dear Adriana. She touched my heart with her caring and persistence. She is a warrior and a fighter, just like all of the patients and families that she helps.” -Marcia M.

Little Valeria’s transplant was successful. She is still struggling, but she is home with her mom. The medical team is managing her symptoms and this tiny warrior keeps fighting.

Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, baby Valeria received the care she desperately needed. But her story is not unique. Countless families face similar struggles as their loved ones battle life-threatening illnesses that are treated with a bone marrow transplant.

You can be a hero to a patient like Valeria. Your donation will provide critical support for families like Marcia’s, covering essential expenses like transportation, meals, and housing during their fight for survival.

Click the donate button below and become a hero for a patient like Valeria.

DONATE TODAY

Written by: Bret Itskowitch

Watch a short video of baby Valeria