Tova* was battling cancer for the second time.  A bone marrow transplant was her only hope for survival. Her family braced the daunting task of locating a suitable match for her. Her 75 yr. old sister from Israel got herself tested for compatibility. The entire family was holding their breath hoping that she would be a match to save her sister’s life. When the results were back they couldn’t believe it. She was indeed a perfect match!

Imagine their disappointment when shortly thereafter that sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. This prompted the elderly sister to alter her plans to fly to the USA to donate her marrow. Dr. Shore from N.Y. Cornell Medical Center was comfortable using the donor’s marrow, considering her cancer was not invasive. However, doing the procedure overseas, then transporting the marrow was very costly. There was no way that the family could possibly finance it.

Baila* (Tova’s daughter) turned to RCCS (the Rofeh Cholim Cancer Society) for help.  RCCS explained that their primary role is to pay insurance premiums.  Baila was frantic. “Please understand my mother is dying. We have the match, we have the marrow, all we need are the funds to save her life. I’ve turned to so many organizations, isn’t there somebody that can help us??”

RCCS, after inquiring, directed them to an organization for bone marrow transplant, but they too were unable to help due to complications of the situation. At that time RCCS took over!  They contacted the donor’s doctor in Israel, connected him with the patients doctor (Dr. Shore) in N.Y., and concluded that $10,000 was needed.

How to get this money?? Time was of essence, Tova’s markers were rapidly dropping! RCCS contacted several individuals in this regard. Within a few hours they had reached a donor, who was willing to sponsor the entire cost!  The end procedure amounted to $14,000. The sponsor willingly complied. He was the incredible Shliach, to a life-saving procedure! Mi K’amchu Yisroel!

As you are reading this Tova is recovering from her transplant. Although she is very feeble from the procedure and is experiencing some complications, the doctors are hopeful that she will be in successful remission once the 100 day post-transplant period is over.  Tova recently expressed her feelings to the patient relations department at RCCS: “Whatever happens is not in our control.  At least I’m at peace that we did everything medically possible to save my life – the life of my children’s mother and my husband’s wife.”  May she have a speedy and complete recovery!