It is quite common that a large number of students aim for admission at Ivy league. The acceptance rates in all the Ivy league and the top private and public universities/colleges reflect the rush for associating prestige with these umiversities/colleges. However, getting admission to any one of them, based on certain events in a student’s personal life, is not very common. In fact, challenge as mentioned by OP is nothing very uncommon and he should be aware of it. Should he aim for Ivy league? It is his choice. Will he have a fair shot, difficult to say, and I doubt he will get any kind of special attention due to the circumstances faced by him. Good luck!