Hedija Iljazovic

Hedija Iljazovic of Trenton is Albanian and speaks limited English. She was diagnosed with leukemia in January 2023, and she received treatment at Henry Ford Wyandotte and Henry Ford Cancer Center Institute. Hedija completed treatment in September 2023 and has been overwhelmed with the kindness shown to her by her family, the health care community and The Blood Cancer Foundation of Michigan. Throughout her treatment, she was provided with unwavering care from her Patient Support Specialist, Nada, who, despite the language barrier, went above and beyond to make Hedija feel supported. Nada also made sure Inda, Hedija’s daughter, was up to speed and had her questions answered so that she could be as helpful to her mom as possible. Nada coordinated financial assistance for the family by way of travel reimbursement for trips to chemotherapy, and was thrilled to be able to meet Hedija in person for a special photo session to celebrate the bond they’d formed. The following letter was translated from Hedija’s spoken words by her daughter, and explains the impact that BCFM has made on her during the course of her leukemia treatment.

Dear BCFM,

I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for the incredible support your organization has shown me throughout my challenging journey with leukemia. Your unwavering dedication and compassion have made a profound impact on my life, and I am forever grateful.

The monthly phone calls from Nada, my dedicated Patient Support Specialist, provided much-needed solace and reassurance during my chemotherapy treatments. Despite the distance between us, her genuine concern and thoughtful outreach made me feel like she was right there by my side, giving me the strength to keep fighting. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have had her as a guiding presence throughout this difficult time.

Additionally, I cannot emphasize enough how much BCFM’s financial assistance has meant to me. Your generous checks not only provided a much-needed financial cushion, but also served as a testament to your understanding of the practical challenges faced by individuals undergoing cancer treatments. It made a significant difference, lessening the burden on me and allowing me to focus more on my recovery.

Moreover, your willingness to engage with my daughter is truly touching. I know how much she valued the role she played in being a bridge of communication between us. Nada’s ability to connect with her and ensure that I remained informed even when I was too exhausted to speak is a testament to her exceptional dedication and empathy.

I am especially thankful to Nada. Her unwavering support has played a pivotal role in my strength and resilience throughout this difficult chapter of my life. I believe that angels like Nada exist to make a difference, and I feel truly blessed to have her in my corner.

That’s the power of BCFM.