David Slaven

Osteosarcoma

“My name is David Slaven and I have been diagnosed with osteosarcoma.”

I was diagnosed with osteosarcoma at the age of 12. I had a lump on my knee and it was a bit painful. I was taken to the emergency room where the doctor ordered some X-Rays; the results of the X-Rays determined that I had a mass which required me to seek more medical attention. I was taken to Puerto Rico, where the doctor there told me that I had osteosarcoma (bone cancer). Upon this diagnosis, we sought and went to Miami Children’s Hospital for treatment.

My cancer diagnosis has changed my life considerably. It has placed a tremendous financial burden on my family. For one — my mom, who was newly employed at her job, had to leave to go with me as I began my treatment. This left her financially strained, which made it hard for her to pay her rent and other expenses.

I found out about Cancer Support VI through a personal acquaintance of mine. After being introduced to CSVI, I received a monetary donation to pay for my doctor visits, rent, and medication. I am very grateful to CSVI. It is an asset to the people of the Virgin Islands. CSVI has assisted many people like myself at a very difficult time in our lives. The contributions from CSVI help to defray the cost at a time when everything seems so overwhelming. Establishments such as CSVI help to ease the pain and tension caused by illness.