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

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: 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