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.
Written by: Bret Itskowitch
Cancer Doesn’t Care
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.
Written by: Bret Itskowitch
“Shining a Light” on Financial Hardship During CancerREMOVING 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.
Written by: Bret Itskowitch
Little Warrior: Valeria’s Brave BattleREMOVING 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.
Written by: Bret Itskowitch
Watch a short video of baby Valeria
Her Brother is Her Hero
REMOVING BARRIERS: Mackenzie’s Story
Hoboken, New Jersey
After having dinner with some friends, Mackenzie developed stomach pains. Could it have been something she ate? The pain was so intense that she had to visit Urgent Care.
They recommended an over-the-counter acid blocker. It was probably gastritis.
But the pain didn’t go away. A few weeks passed, and eventually, she ended up in the ER.
After several rounds of bloodwork, they realized it wasn’t gastritis. Mackenzie was diagnosed with leukemia. The pain in her stomach was not from something she ate. The leukemia had spread to her stomach, which was very rare.
Chemo started immediately.
Unfortunately, it caused a reaction that put her in the ICU. Those first 34 days in the hospital were scary. Eventually, Mackenzie received full body radiation, followed by another stay in the ICU, and then a bone marrow transplant.
Obviously, no one expects to face a life-threatening disease. She went out for dinner with friends, and one month later, she was battling for her life.
Still Fighting but Full of Gratitude
Mackenzie comes from a loving, close-knit family. She has a wonderful circle of friends. They were all affected by her diagnosis and she is grateful for the love and support she received from each of them while she fought leukemia.
They were constantly sending her messages and positive thoughts to keep going. Mackenzie insists she would not have gotten through treatment without their support.
She is also thankful for the support she received from the Icla da Silva Foundation.
IclaCares Helps Patients in Their Time of Need
One month before that dinner with friends, Mackenzie lost her dream job due to a corporate layoff. Just like you and me, she was concerned about her finances, but she knew she would bounce back. She relied on savings while searching for a new job. But after a critical diagnosis, and a month in the hospital, Mackenzie was more worried about how she would get through this.
The Icla da Silva Foundation provided financial support for Mackenzie during her treatment.
I was already worried about just making it day-to-day…it was such a huge relief to have some financial support…and even the emotional support, always checking in on me.” -Mackenzie S.
She told us, “It is so helpful knowing that I have a community that is worried about me and wants me to get better. I am really appreciative of you.”
Mackenzie is grateful for all the support she received, from her family, her friends, and the Icla da Silva Foundation.
But one person stands above the others.
Her Hero
Mackenzie is truly grateful for her older brother Mike. He is her hero for donating his bone marrow and saving her life.
“I wouldn’t be here without my brother.” Mike was a 100% match for her bone marrow transplant and she will be forever thankful.
Mackenzie is in recovery but still fighting. The treatments wiped out her immune system and the new cells from her brother are working hard to repopulate and create healthy cells in her body. There are still regular chemo treatments and spinal taps to ensure no leukemia is hiding in her spine.
We are grateful that Mackenzie shared her personal story with us. We will keep in touch with her and we wish her a full recovery.
You Can Help
Many patients struggle to afford everyday expenses like food, transportation, and housing while in treatment to receive a bone marrow transplant. The IclaCares program works to get those patients the help that they need.
“When you are in treatment, the last thing you want to think about is how am I going to pay my rent.”
By donating, you can ensure that a patient has the basic necessities while they are in treatment.
Your gift will assist a patient like Mackenzie.
Please donate today.
Written by: Bret Itskowitch
Watch this brief video of Mackenzie sharing her story.
Happy to be Home with His FamilyREMOVING BARRIERS: Marc’s Story
Halfmoon, New York
After several years of unexplained pain in his stomach, Marc was diagnosed with myelofibrosis. It’s a rare cancer of the bone marrow that disrupts the production of blood cells.
His only cure was a bone marrow transplant.
Marc received a transplant, but he encountered many complications during treatment.
A Long Recovery Process
Marc was in treatment much longer than expected. A blood clot lead to encephalopathy. His heart stopped several times, which led to a pacemaker. He had GVHD and he may need to have a liver transplant.
He was expecting to be away from home for 1-3 months, but it took more than 6 months.
As is usual with most transplant centers, he was required to stay within 30 miles of the medical center during outpatient treatment. But Marc, his wife, and their teenage twin boys live 150 miles away.
The Caregiver Experience
Marc’s wife Talin stayed with him as a caregiver.
The transplant team requires a dedicated caregiver before they will even schedule a bone marrow transplant. Someone must be available full-time to help the patient during transplant and recovery.
A caregiver assists with transportation to the outpatient clinic, maintaining a medication schedule, and keeping an eye out for changes in the patients condition or signs of infection.
Of course, a big part of the job is love and attention.
Overcoming Obstacles/Grateful for Assistance
Marc had gone through diagnosis, treatment, and a bone marrow transplant. This was followed by medical complications and a long road to recovery. All during that time his wife took on caregiver responsibilities.
They were both far from home for 6 months. Their boys would visit by train.
Obviously, neither of them could work during treatment and outpatient recovery, but the extra expenses kept coming in.
Thanks to the support of donors like you, the Icla da Silva Foundation helped fund accommodations and meals while Marc was in treatment.
He is grateful.
“It was a relief to have financial help, especially with my wife and I being out of work and having many more expenses being in the city longer than expected. We were both shocked and became emotional by the generosity.
It is such a wonderful organization that can take a tragic event in one’s life and turn it around to ease the burden of others going through a similar situation.” -Marc M.
Looking to the Future
Marc is still under medical supervision, but at least he is at home surrounded by his family.
Still, we’re sure he would like to get back to the way things used to be.
Marc was an 8th grade social studies teacher, dean of students, and coach for both football and basketball. He hopes he’ll be well enough to return to work in the future.
He would also like to take a much-needed vacation.
Before all that, Marc must wait for his immunity to improve. He just wants to be able to see his family and friends without masks or restrictions.
We hope that happens soon, and we wish the best for Marc and his family. The Icla da Silva Foundation was happy to play a role in his recovery.
You Can Help a Patient in their Time of Need
Your donation will help a patient overcome obstacles during treatment and put them on a path to recovery.
Please donate to ease the unexpected burdens of a patient in treatment to receive a marrow transplant.
Support our mission by making a donation today!
Written by: Bret Itskowitch