A Social Worker Describes Her Experience with Patient Families who need financial assistance from the Icla da Silva Foundation

Cary, North Carolina

Tara McAteer is a clinical social worker with 18 years of experience. She specializes in supporting patients and families with acute and chronic medical conditions.

She recently shared her experience working with patients who needed financial assistance while in treatment to receive a life-saving bone marrow transplant. Below is Tara’s story.

The Patient Experience

Needless to say, life completely changes once you have a child diagnosed with a life-threatening disease, and they need to prepare for a bone marrow transplant.

The change impacts every single aspect of life for the patient, their parents, and even their siblings.

Imagine your child going through months of treatment and being told she needs more treatment or a different treatment.

Then you learn that a bone marrow transplant is the only thing that can potentially save or extend her life. It’s a frightening situation.

The families I have worked with move forward with courage and determination, but it’s impossible for anyone to predict the journey they will endure.

No one can say how many months their child will be in isolation, or the frequency of emergency room visits.

Nobody can estimate the number of readmissions or the exact length of time they will have to spend in post-transplant follow-up in the outpatient clinic.

“How Will I Make This Work?”

Every family has the same painful questions.

Will our insurance cover it? How much longer can I stay out of work? We don’t have any more savings. I already lost my job, how will our family survive?

What about my other children? Who is going to stay home with them, help them with homework, bring them to school?

This has gone on too long – how will I make this work?

Families who were financially stable before diagnosis, may not be in the same position after so many months or even years of treatment.

Many of my families were already experiencing financial hardship before their diagnosis.

The Icla da Silva Foundation

This is where the Icla da Silva Foundation comes into the picture. Their application is quick and completed in coordination with a transplant social worker like me.

Once approved, the assistance is immediate.

Most of the families I referred for support were being threatened with eviction or being evicted. Some had homes that were already in foreclosure.

What is so special about this organization is that part of the criteria for eligibility is treatment-based. Help is available to children scheduled to receive a transplant regardless of their diagnoses. They are helping patients with cancer, immunodeficiencies, genetic conditions, hematological illnesses, sickle cell disease, the list goes on.

In addition to financial support, the emotional impact of receiving assistance from the Icla da Silva Foundation is indescribable for most families. It allows the patient’s family to catch a breath, even if just for a moment before they need to redirect their attention to the next medical issue or the fear of what’s still to come.

The gratitude they feel is something that stays with them forever.

You are Making a Difference

No family can do it alone. No social worker can do it without the support of an organization like the Icla Da Silva Foundation.

Thank you to all of your generous donors! You are all making a difference.

Sincerely,
Tara McAteer, LCSW, ACSW, OSW-C

Thanks to Tara for sharing her perspective and experience. We are grateful for the work that she does.

Please consider making a donation to support a patient’s family on their difficult path to receive a bone marrow transplant. You will help keep food on the table or a roof over their head while a patient goes through treatment and transplant.

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Las Vegas, Nevada

Every family experiences great difficulty while their loved one battles a life-threatening disease. So many lives are thrown into turmoil once a diagnosis is revealed.

In addition to heart-wrenching concerns and fear, many struggle with the financial pain of keeping it all together.

This is the story of one patient’s family.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Luis was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

His only hope for a cure was a bone marrow transplant. But he lived in Las Vegas where there is no transplant center, so he had to travel to Southern CA to receive care and prepare for his transplant.

Although his family comes from a modest background, they made it work for several months. Unfortunately, medical complications ensued, and they eventually exhausted their savings.

Luis’ wife Madelourdes remained with him as his caregiver.

The Caregiver Requirement

Every transplant center requires a 24/7 caregiver to help a patient during treatment and transplant. It’s required by the medical team, but the expenses are not covered by many patients insurance. The cost of housing, transportation, and meals became too much for Luis’ family.

Their only source of income came from their daughter, who was living in Las Vegas. As a single mom working two jobs, she did the best she could.

Luis’ wife slept on two chairs at her husband’s bedside.

Assisting with Lodging and Meals

The Icla da Silva Foundation assists bone marrow transplant patients and their families during a very difficult time. Through our IclaCares program, we were able to provide funds to Luis’ family for lodging and meals.

The family will use the lodging funds sporadically so his wife and caregiver Madelourdes can get a decent night of sleep and a shower every once in awhile while her husband completes treatment.

As soon as they received the news, the family called us with tears of joy. They were overwhelmingly grateful for the support we provided.

We wish Luis a full recovery.

We were happy to help this family. We only wish we could do the same for more families in their urgent time of need. No one should have to sleep between two chairs while their loved one battles a life-threatening disease.

You Can Help

Your donation will make a difference to a patient family in desperate need. Every gift, no matter the size, will help a family who has a loved one on the difficult path to receive a bone marrow transplant.

Please consider making a donation to help a patient family like Luis’.

Thanks for reading.

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Written by: Bret Itskowitch

REMOVING BARRIERS: OWEN’S JOURNEY

Shishmaref, Alaska

Owen’s story begins in the remote village of Shishmaref, Alaska. His family lives on a barrier island just north of the Bering Strait. With a population of only 530 people, it’s a place where family bonds, tradition, and heritage run deep.

At only 9 years old, Owen’s life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia, a rare, life-threatening blood disorder.

Owen’s Journey to a Cure

His family embarked on a daunting journey so Owen could receive treatment.

The closest medical center capable of providing the specialized care that Owen needed was two thousand miles away in Seattle. The prospect of leaving their close-knit community and facing an uncertain future was overwhelming, but they had no choice. Owen and his family set off on a path that would test their strength and determination.

Owen’s first bone marrow transplant brought a glimmer of hope, but it was short-lived.

The treatment was not successful and the transplant failed. Once again, Owen’s health hung in the balance. His family gathered their courage and they will try again.

Owen is preparing for his second bone marrow transplant and we wish him success.

Overcoming Financial Strain

The toll of his medical journey and the burden of being far from home continues to weigh heavily on Owen’s family. The financial strain is enormous.

Recognizing their challenges, the Icla da Silva Foundation provided crucial funds for transportation to Seattle. Understanding the high price of internet in Western Alaska, we also offered support for wireless bills, ensuring that Owen stays connected with his loved ones back home.

A Unique Perspective

We often provide meal assistance to patient families. A parent cannot work for many months while their child is in treatment. The combination of medical bills and living expenses can be overwhelming, especially when you are living in an unfamiliar city with no income.

Owen’s situation gave us a unique perspective. His father Christopher told us that, “back home in Alaska, we hunt and gather year-round for most of our food.”

They never had to rely on a grocery store for sustenance.

It was both unfamiliar and expensive. We provided the family with meal assistance so they can focus on Owen’s treatment.

Owen is still fighting his life-threatening illness. His family was forced to travel far from home and stay in a strange city. They had no one else to turn to.

The Icla da Silva Foundation stepped in to provide much-needed financial support for Owen’s journey to receive a bone marrow transplant.

A Father’s Gratitude

Owen’s father expressed profound gratitude for the help they received, “Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart and on behalf of my family.” His heartfelt words are a reminder of the dramatic impact we can make on a family in their darkest moments.

We wish Owen a successful transplant and hope that he and his family will soon be able to return home to Alaska.

You Can Help

The Icla da Silva Foundation’s patient assistance program is funded directly by people like you. The cost of transportation, housing, and meals during treatment are not covered by medical insurance.

Will you donate to provide critical financial assistance during treatment? Your support will ensure that a patient doesn’t have to postpone or delay their bone marrow transplant.

Your generosity will provide crucial support to a patient just like Owen.

DONATE TODAY

You can watch the TikTok Owen’s Dad posted of his first transplant, shared on our YouTube channel.

Written by: Bret Itskowitch

REMOVING BARRIERS: JAKE’S STORY

Columbia Station, Ohio

Meet Jake and his sister Bella.

Jake is a brave boy who fought a difficult journey with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). After being diagnosed with this aggressive form of blood cancer, he received treatment and went into remission. But then he relapsed and urgently needed a bone marrow transplant.

Luckily, his younger sister Bella was a matching donor, and Jake received a transplant.

Throughout treatment, Jake and his family faced many hardships. These included the financial strain of his mom having to stop working, and the need to stay at a Ronald McDonald house to be close to the hospital.

During recovery, Jake experienced painful mucositis that made it hard for him to eat.

Thanks to the IclaCares program, Jake and his family received much-needed assistance with meals and groceries. Your support helped reduce some of the stress and allowed them to focus on Jake’s recovery.

BECOME A SUPPORTER

Join Icla Cares by Supporting Patients and Their Families

Jake is still in recovery.

He just celebrated his 16th birthday. We wish him many healthy, Happy Birthdays in the years ahead.

You can make a difference in the life of a patient like Jake by making a donation.

Your gift provides critical assistance, including meal support during treatment. Help us continue to provide comfort and support to a patient on their journey to receive a bone marrow transplant.

Thank you.

DONATE TODAY

Written by: Bret Itskowitch

REMOVING BARRIERS – NASIR’S STORY

Hampton, Virginia

For nineteen years, Nasir lived a life filled with pain and uncertainty due to sickle cell disease. His mother SueAnn, watched helplessly as her son endured countless complications, blood transfusions, and pain crises.

She vividly remembers the first time Nasir woke up screaming in pain. He was only two months old and his little hands were swollen to the size of a man’s hands.

When she called the doctor, he said Nasir was going through a pain crisis and he prescribed morphine. She remembered thinking, “morphine, for my two-month-old baby, why is this happening?”

That was their struggle for 19 years.

They never knew when the next crisis would strike, or how severe it would be. It was a life filled with pain, uncertainty, and fear. Just like any mother would, SueAnn felt helpless and defeated.

Finding a Cure

Then on one fateful day, everything changed.

They met a doctor who recommended a bone marrow transplant, using stem cells from Nasir’s own body.

SueAnn was hesitant at first, but the doctor explained the process and the expected outcome.

SueAnn described this doctor as “an Angel,” and she suddenly felt full of hope.

With renewed faith, she knew her son Nasir’s life was about to change.

An Autologous Bone Marrow Transplant

Using an autologous bone marrow transplant to treat sickle cell disease is relatively new. The process uses stem cells from your own body, so it doesn’t rely on a matching donor. But it comes with potential complications and challenges.

Nasir went through the treatment, and although it’s still early, his transplant was successful.

SueAnn felt like her sister Lisa, who had passed away from sickle cell disease one year ago, was watching over them and helping guide Nasir through his transplant.

Receiving Support from the Icla da Silva Foundation

As a single mother, SueAnn admits that the process was hard on them.

She could not work because she needed to be with her son during his treatments and transplant. Fortunately, the Icla Cares program provided financial assistance for gas, utilities, and groceries while Nasir was in treatment.

SueAnn is grateful for the support they received. She talked about the strain they endured.

She told us that the Icla da Silva Foundation gave her son joy. After learning about the support, Nasir wasn’t just happy for himself but “excited for the other families who are able to receive a happy, healthy, healed life.”

You Can Help

If you feel inspired by this story about Nasir, please consider donating to the Icla da Silva Foundation. We remove barriers to treatment by providing financial support for expenses during treatment and transplant.

Your gift will remove barriers for a patient in need during their bone marrow transplant.

DONATE TODAY

Written by: Bret Itskowitch

REMOVING BARRIERS – MATTHEW’S STORY

Beeville, Texas

Matthew is a devoted college advisor in a small town in Texas.

Last January, he was forced to put his passion for education aside when he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia.

Over the past year, Matthew has endured many rounds of chemotherapy, multiple biopsies, and CAR-T cell therapy. He and his wife Krystal were forced to relocate so he could be closer to the transplant center to prepare for his bone marrow transplant. They left behind their home and the students Matthew had devoted his career to guiding.

Fortunately, Matthew had his wife Krystal by his side as his full-time caregiver.

This January, he finally received his bone marrow transplant.

Forever Grateful

Matthew tells us he will be “forever grateful” for the Icla Cares program. The Icla da Silva Foundation provided Matthew with financial assistance for lodging, gas, and groceries while he was in treatment. 

Thanks to our donors for making financial support possible. 

In addition to helping him overcome financial hardships related to his bone marrow transplant, Matthew says we made him feel like he was never alone.

You Can Help a Patient in Need

Today, Matthew is in remission, and the couple can finally breathe a sigh of relief.

But they know there are others out there fighting the same battle. Many do not have the support they require.

That’s why the Icla da Silva Foundation is asking for your help.

Too many patients are delaying treatment because of related expenses. While preparing for a bone marrow transplant, the cost of housing, transportation, and meals are not covered by insurance.

Your donation can make a difference.

Your gift will ensure relief for a patient like Matthew on his journey to a cure.

DONATE TODAY

Written by: Bret Itskowitch

REMOVING BARRIERS – LARISSA’S STORY

Winchester, Virginia

“Your foundation has saved my home, helped my children, and myself. I am just so grateful.”

Larissa’s life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia in 2018. As a single mother, her world was turned upside down while battling a life-threatening disease.

She received a bone marrow transplant, but unfortunately, there were complications. Larissa was forced to undergo a second transplant in March.

One month before her scheduled transplant, Larissa received an eviction notice.

This added to the financial and emotional strain of her situation. Larissa has been unable to work due to her illness, and she had been in and out of the hospital with various infections and complications.

She was worried about her family.

Despite applying for assistance from other foundations, she received no response.

Icla Cares Supports A Patient in Need

When the Icla da Silva Foundation learned about Larissa’s situation, the Icla Cares program immediately stepped in to provide both financial and emotional assistance for her family. We paid her landlord to prevent eviction and provided emotional support to help her cope with the mental toll of her disease.

Thanks to our support, Larissa was able to focus on treatment and receive her bone marrow transplant.

Maintaining Close Contact

Adriana, an Icla Cares team member, kept in close contact with Larissa to provide a listening ear and a friendly voice whenever she needed it.

We want patients to know that they are never alone.

Adriana’s words of empathy and understanding helped lift Larissa’s spirits during some of her darkest moments.

Larissa,

Remember to call me anytime that you need to talk to someone. I am here for you. I am not a licensed therapist, but I consider myself a good friend. I am just a call away.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Adriana

You Can Make a Difference

Join us in our mission to remove financial barriers for patients who require a bone marrow transplant. Your gift can make all the difference in the world to a patient like Larissa.

Your donation will provide critical financial assistance to those who are struggling with out-of-pocket costs during treatment.

Together, we will help patients like Larissa focus on treatment and overcome the challenges caused by illness. Click on the button below to make a difference today.

donate today

Larissa reminds us to “be thankful and be grateful. Hold your babies tight and cherish every single second…as we all know, tomorrow is not promised.”

Written by: Bret Itskowitch

REMOVING BARRIERS – BRAXSTON’S STORY

Jacksonville, Florida

Little Braxston is only two-years-old. He recently received a bone marrow transplant to treat neuroblastoma, a cancer that develops from immature nerve cells.

When a patient receives a bone marrow transplant, they celebrate a second “birthday”. It signifies a new beginning!

We were happy that his mom shared photos of that adorable smile.

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, it can be a difficult journey. His family had to travel 70 miles to receive treatment. This is an added expense that wasn’t planned for.

For his parents, every day off work is a day unpaid.

The Icla Cares program provided financial assistance for transportation and groceries on his journey to receive a transplant.

His mom Amber expressed tremendous gratitude from their family:

“The fund helped us a lot. It allowed us to make sure we had transportation to and from Braxston’s appointments [to receive his bone marrow transplant]. It also helped us get his favorite snacks for transplant! Which he loved. It made him feel more like he was at home knowing he had comfort food.” -Amber

Braxston is scheduled to receive radiation and 6-months of immunotherapy. We wish him a full recovery and many more birthdays with his family.

You can assist a patient like Braxston by donating to the Icla da Silva Foundation. Your gift will assist a patient on their journey to receive a bone marrow transplant.

Please donate today. Together we will make a difference for more patients and their families.

DONATE TODAY

Written by: Bret Itskowitch

Burlington, Vermont

We just received an update from a recent patient. Kristina is a single mother who was diagnosed with AML and needed support traveling out-of-state to receive her treatments.

We removed that barrier and she recently reached out with an update:

“Airam,

My sons and I were able to get out in the new snow up north during school break to do some sledding. This is the 1st time we’ve revisited this tradition since before I got sick with AML!!!

Memories made!

-Kristina

Click and watch the 0:08 video below. Listen to her laughing!!

You can make more patients smile on their journey to a cure. Please donate today.

Read our first story about Kristina, and watch her video talking about the importance of the support she received using this link.

DONATE TODAY

REMOVING BARRIERS – KAYALI’S STORY

Jacksonville, FL

Mom Dellesha, donor Makira, and stem cell recipient Kayali

Dellesha is the proud mother of five beautiful children. Her 3-year-old, Kayali, was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia at birth.

Kayali needed a bone marrow transplant. All of her siblings were tested and 11-year-old Makira, the oldest (and the bravest), was considered the best candidate to donate bone marrow.

But the transplant center was 160 miles away.

Dellesha uprooted her family to be closer to the transplant center. She could not work during months of treatment, so she cut expenses by ending their lease and putting everything into storage.

Once the bone marrow transplant was scheduled, a social worker from the hospital registered Kayali’s family for support.

The Icla Cares program removed the family’s barriers with a grant for gas, groceries, and some of that storage during Kayali’s treatment and transplant.

Fortunately, the transplant was a success. 

Dellesha is grateful and has high hopes for their future.

She considers the Icla da Silva Foundation to be like family. While she was thankful to receive funds, she said she was very grateful for our concern. “I received so many texts, always asking how I was doing, how Kayali was. The Foundation is like family.”

Dellesha doesn’t like talking about what they went through, but she has heartfelt words for other patient families going through the same challenge:

“Have faith, because that’s what you’re going to need. Don’t give up Hope.”

You can help us support more patient families like Dellesha and her daughter. Even a small donation will help patients prepare for treatment with faith and hope.

PLEASE DONATE TODAY

Thanks.

Written by: Bret Itskowitch