Mount Prospect, IL

Celebrating the Completion of Radiation

Patricia spent nine months in treatment, facing the challenges of Multiple Myeloma. Her autologous stem cell transplant didn’t require a donor match, but it still brought difficulties. She couldn’t work or even handle simple daily tasks.

As the stress of keeping food on the table grew, the Icla da Silva Foundation stepped in at a pivotal moment, funding a month’s worth of groceries and easing her burden during treatment.

Now in recovery, Patricia’s daughter says she’s doing much better. Patricia is grateful for the support:

“I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Hopefully, God will continue to bless the Icla da Silva Foundation so they can continue to support patients who need it.”

Patients like Patricia need your help now. Donate today.

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Written by: Bret Itskowitch

Schaumburg, IL

When Sarah was diagnosed with a rare cancer that forms tumors on bone, her life was upended. A tumor on her pelvis forced her to take unpaid leave under FMLA.

It protected her health insurance but left her without income.

As treatment went beyond 12 weeks, her employer chose not to extend FMLA, and Sarah was let go. She applied for unemployment, but because she was not able to work due to illness, she was deemed ineligible.

Over time, her condition worsened. Her diagnosis evolved to multiple myeloma and later she developed POEMS syndrome, a rare and complex disorder with symptoms that include severe neuropathy.

After a year without income, the combination of medical and living expenses became overwhelming. Bills piled up, and her situation was unbearable.

Asking for help was difficult for Sarah. Family and friends were there for her, but the financial burden grew worse as her treatments became more frequent and intense.

Providing A Lifeline

When it came time for her stem cell transplant, the treatment that could save her life, she faced insurmountable financial barriers. Cancer had already taken away her job and her income. The mounting costs of medical care and living expenses left her overwhelmed.

That’s when the Icla da Silva Foundation stepped in, providing essential financial support when she needed it most. This lifeline gave Sarah the means to proceed with her transplant, covering critical expenses like her hotel stay during stem cell collection. For many patients, relocation is required before and after transplant, but those costs weren’t covered by her insurance.

Grateful for the support, Sarah shared, “Thank you so much for granting me assistance. It should cover most of the hotel bill from my stem cell collection and allow me to get some happy food to eat while holed up in my room for the next few weeks.”

Sarah’s stem cell transplant was a success! While her journey isn’t over, we’re hopeful for her full recovery and proud to have given her a 2nd chance at life.

Your generosity makes a story like Sarah’s possible. Every gift, no matter the size, can be the lifeline a patient needs to overcome the unimaginable challenges of cancer.

DONATE TODAY

Thanks for reading.

Written by: Bret Itskowitch

Ridgewood, NJ

When Haksung and his family moved from South Korea to the U.S. a year ago, they faced the challenges of adapting to a new culture and language. Then came the unexpected. Haksung was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

His concern wasn’t for himself, but for his family. He worried about how they would manage without him, especially his 14-year-old daughter. She was struggling with anxiety from the culture shock.

Now, they all faced an uncertain future together.

Despite fatigue, Haksung continued working part-time from home to keep his family afloat. But his income was cut in half, he was consumed with worry about providing for them. How would he afford to keep food on the table? How would they cover the transportation back-and-forth to the hospital?

That’s when the Icla da Silva Foundation stepped in. We provided critical support to help Haksung prepare for his bone marrow transplant. They literally had nowhere else to turn. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we were able to grant funds for gas and groceries, which were essential during his treatment.

Finding a donor match proved difficult due to his ethnicity, but in an incredible turn of events, his daughter was a match. Even though she was only 14, and battling anxiety, she donated her stem cells to save her father’s life.

Haksung’s journey is far from over, but thanks to the support he received, he feels hopeful. “Your program gives me hope for our future. Thank you.”

You Can Help a Patient Like Haksung

Haksung’s story is just one example of the many families who face overwhelming challenges while battling blood cancer. Your generosity can make a difference. Donate today to help provide critical assistance to a patient like Haksung and give them hope for a brighter future.

DONATE TODAY

Thanks for reading.

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: 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: 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: 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