A Windsor grocery store worker is preparing for another stem cell transplant after being diagnosed with a different form of leukemia — but entering remission has not ended the uncertainty surrounding his condition. With Hani Hannona in urgent need of a suitable stem cell donor, his coworkers at the Sobeys on Amy Croft Drive held a barbeque fundraiser Saturday to help cover the non-medical costs associated with receiving treatment in Toronto, including travel, accommodations, parking, and meals. Hannona, 67, was working on April 15 when he began feeling unusually tired. Later that evening, he became dizzy, struggled to speak and breathe, and briefly lost consciousness. “My tongue was off. I couldn’t talk, I couldn’t breathe, and I fainted for a little bit,” he recalled. He was taken to hospital, where testing led to a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia, or AML. Hannona was previously diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome, or MDS, in 2022 and underwent a stem cell transplant at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto. About one week ago, he received encouraging news about his condition. “I’m in remission,” Hannona said. “Next week, I have a consultation with Princess Margaret. They have to decide what kind of treatment they’re going to do.” However, his wife, Montana Hannona, said remission is only the first step. Hani still needs a stem cell transplant to replace his diseased bone marrow and rebuild his blood and immune system. The family is hoping to find a fully matched, unrelated donor through Canadian Blood Services. One of Hannona’s sons was used as a half-matched donor during his first transplant. While another son could potentially provide the same kind of partial match, Montana said the family is worried that option may not offer Hani the best chance of a stronger, longer-lasting recovery. In other words, Montana fears her husband — despite going into remission — may only live for a few more years if a 100 per cent stem cell match cannot be found. A half-matched transplant can still be performed, but the closer the donor match, the better the likelihood of a positive outcome, according to Canadian Blood Services. That is why the family is urgently encouraging eligible residents to join the national stem cell registry. “It’s not so much about the funds,” Montana said. “It’s about the donors to save a life.” Family facing significant costs While Hannona’s transplant and medical treatment are publicly funded, Montana said the family must cover many of the expenses surrounding his care. During his first transplant, she travelled between Windsor and Toronto while paying for hotels, gas, parking and meals. She estimates those costs reached approximately $8,000 per month. “I’d love to be by his bedside every day, but I could not afford it,” she said. The couple said they exhausted their savings during Hannona’s first cancer battle and are preparing to face many of the same costs again. “The health care will pay for the stem cell transplant. They pay for the medical part of this,” Montana said. “But the expenses for me going from Windsor to Princess Margaret Hospital — it’s a lot.” Insurance claim denied Montana said the family received approximately $30,000 through a critical illness benefit during Hannona’s first diagnosis. That money helped cover household bills and expenses related to his treatment. This time, Montana said her husband’s claim was denied because the insurer considers his current illness a relapse. The family disputes that decision, arguing that Hannona’s previous MDS diagnosis and his current AML diagnosis are different forms of cancer. “They’re saying his cancer relapsed,” Montana said. “Well, it’s a different type of cancer — a different type of leukemia.” Montana said she plans to appeal the decision. Coworkers step forward Hannona’s coworkers and managers organized Saturday’s barbecue to support the family as it prepares for another lengthy period of treatment. Hannona described the Amy Croft Drive store as his second home. “For me, I’m just a part-timer here, but everybody here — we are like brothers and sisters,” he said. Store manager Robert Hayes said the fundraiser was a team effort. “We’re here to help one of our teammates,” Hayes said. “When one of your teammates needs some help, that’s when family comes together.” Montana said the store has supported the couple throughout both cancer diagnoses. “They’re not just an employer. They’re a family,” she said. “They’ve stood by us through thick and thin.”
