New York, NY – On June 21, with a reception at the Rue 57 Restaurant, The Icla da Silva Foundation, Inc. celebrated its 18th Anniversary of bringing hope to patients afflicted with leukemia, lymphoma and other diseases treatable by a bone marrow transplant. For nearly two decades, the organization which is now the largest recruitment center for the Be The Match Registry, has been dedicated to building a diverse marrow donor registry allowing patients from all ethnic and racial backgrounds to have a better chance of life.

The evening was filled with excitement as Airam da Silva, Foundation's president and Icla's brother, shared with guests, board members and 2010 Gala Committee members the successful accomplishments of the Foundation.

The celebration continued when the Foundation was honored by The Council of the City of New York with a proclamation and was also later presented with a $1,000 contribution from the Jack and Jill Association of America.

The organization, which was founded in 1992 in honor of a 13 year old girl, Icla da Silva, who lost her battle with leukemia when a compatible donor was never found, has now saved the lives of hundreds of patients. Since Icla's tragic death the Foundation has registered more than 165,000 potential marrow donors, facilitated 91 unrelated transplants utilizing foundation recruited donors, and provided emotional, logistical, and financial support over 425 patients and families from all over the world.

The evening culminated with heightened excitement about the Foundation's upcoming 18th Annual Fundraising Dinner & Dance event at the Central Park Boathouse Restaurant on September 29, 2010. Click here for more information about the fundraiser.

The Icla da Silva Foundation looks forward to your continued support and many more years of success.

For more information on the foundation and how you can get involved, visit www.icla.org or contact The Icla da Silva Foundation at 1-888-638-2870.