Help the Fordes Through Ilona’s Journey

Story

We are Joanna and Bill Hess—friends of the Fordes from church, where we are part of the same community group here in the Cedar Park neighborhood of West Philly. It has been a joy to share many meals, laughs, and life with Isaac, Claudia, Ilona, and Solana. Now, we walk beside them in a tender and trying season.

On Thursday, May 1st, Ilona was admitted to CHOP with a critically low hemoglobin count and was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The results of further diagnostic procedures are pending, but the doctors anticipate a very intense month of treatment starting now, followed by regular monitoring and care over the next two years. This journey comes with massive emotional and physical challenges—but also a heavy financial burden.

While they focus on Ilona’s treatment and recovery, we’re asking for your support to help cover:

-Life-saving treatments and medications
-Travel and lodging for appointments
-Childcare and household help
-Lost income while Isaac and Claudia are unable to work
-Daily essentials like groceries and gas
-Meal train contributions: https://mealtrain.com/63zg5k

Isaac and Claudia will need to dedicate themselves fully to caring for Ilona and Solana, especially for the coming weeks. As their chuch family, we want to step in and help ease the financial and practical burdens so they can focus entirely on what matters most: being present with their daughters.

If you’ve had the joy of knowing the Fordes, you know their love is wide, their service is quiet but steady, and their joy is contagious. Now is our opportunity to return that love in full.

We are certain of this: God is good, and He moves through people—through you and me. Please join us in supporting the Fordes through prayer, encouragement, and financial giving.

Organizers :

Joanna Hess is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Angie Martinez.