Irvine Clifford

Lung Cancer

“My name is Irvine Clifford. I was diagnosed in 2014 with stage IV lung cancer which had metastasized to my left adrenal gland and into the left parietal region of my skull.

As soon as I got my scan showing the mass in my right lung I had to ground myself as a pilot for Seaborne Airlines. I am no longer legal to work in my career as a Commercial Pilot. Because of that, my financial situation has become very hard compared to what I was used to. I was able to secure Social Security disability, but that barely covers my living and medical expenses. I travel to Houston every three months for my check ups. I go to MD Anderson which is one of the best cancer facilities in the US. That comes with a cost of high airfare bills.

I figured that I only had months to live and tried to put things in order financially for my family. It was a terrible time not knowing if I would even be here the next day and trying to do everything possible to leave information etc. for those left behind.

About a year into my disease, a friend who has since passed from lung cancer told me about Cancer Support VI. I called and was able to get a refund on one of my airline tickets which was an incredible help. Over the last 5 years Cancer Support VI has helped me yearly.

I have only used this one benefit of Cancer Support VI but it has been an immense help to me financially. I have had great interactions with everyone I have spoken to and value their help. I would recommend anyone with cancer to reach out to them for assistance and guidance. They offer so much more than I have requested from them.”

Cancer Support VI has been assisting Virgin Islanders like Irvine since 2005. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with cancer and needs assistance please contact Anique Harrigan, CSVI Patient Advocate at anique.harrigan@cancersupportvi.com or call 340.514.8647.