The staff at Windsor Sobeys recently held a community barbecue fundraiser to support their co-worker Hani Hannona as he prepares for his second battle against cancer.
While in remission, Hani was recently diagnosed with a different type of leukemia, requiring another stem cell transplant. As Hani and his family are actively searching for a matching stem cell donor, significant expenses have come with the latest diagnosis. The fundraiser was organized by Hannona’s co-workers to help cover the non-medical costs associated with receiving treatment in Toronto, including travel, accommodations, parking, and meals.
Hani Hannona, 67, was at work on April 15 when he suddenly became very tired. He felt dizzy, had trouble speaking and breathing, and briefly lost consciousness. Doctors diagnosed him with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a type of blood cancer. In 2022, Hani was treated for a blood disorder and received a stem cell transplant. Although he is now in remission, he urgently needs another stem cell transplant to replace his unhealthy bone marrow. He needs a fully matched stem cell donor for a better chance of a successful recovery. The family’s biggest hope is for more people to join the stem cell donor registry and help save lives.
Despite the health coverage, Hani’s wife, Montana, had to spend about $8,000 a month travelling between Windsor and Toronto for hotels, gas, parking, and meals. The couple used up their savings during Hani’s first cancer treatment and is now gearing up to face the same financial burden again. To make matters harder, their insurance company denied Hani’s new critical illness claim, saying his current illness is a relapse.
The fundraiser organized by Hani’s co-workers at the Sobeys on Amy Croft Drive helped raise money for the family to cover the costs of his treatment while bringing the community together to support him during this difficult time. Hani and Montana say the store’s staff have supported them every step of the way and have become like a second family.
Source: Sanjay Maru, CTV News
