Warrior Spotlight
Finding Strength in Support: Alvin Berkel’s Journey with Cancer Support VI
In November 2023, Alvin Berkel received news that no one is ever quite prepared to hear: he had stage 2 prostate cancer.
“Finding out I have cancer was extreme,” Alvin shared. “I couldn’t believe it myself. It took me a while to wrap my head around the notion that I had it.” Like many others navigating the early days of a cancer diagnosis, Alvin faced an emotional whirlwind. It took him days to tell his girlfriend, and even longer to open up to his family. At work, the weight of the diagnosis made it hard to concentrate, eventually leading him to take time off.
But Alvin wasn’t alone. After opening up to his family, they made the difficult but necessary decision together: Alvin would leave the island to seek treatment. “They were a great support both financially and emotionally,” he said.
Still, the journey was far from easy. “My major concerns were whether I would be cured, how long it would take, or if this was the end for Mr. Berkel,” he admitted. Financial struggles added to the challenge, and in the early days, access to resources and answers was slow.
That’s when a friend stepped in and told him about Cancer Support VI (CSVI).
“A friend of mine had a family member who was assisted by CSVI, so they told me to reach out,” Alvin said. From that moment, things started to shift. CSVI provided not only financial help, but also guidance and information that helped Alvin better understand his diagnosis and treatment options.
“CSVI has an excellent program that keeps cancer in the forefront of people’s minds through fundraising and events. They give support to cancer patients, so they know that they are not alone,” Alvin said.
To others just beginning their journey, Alvin offers this advice:
“Take your time to understand what’s going on with your body, and get the support you need, because doing it alone is a scary process.”
At Cancer Support VI, we are proud to walk alongside brave individuals like Alvin. His story is a powerful reminder that with community, compassion, and the right support, no one has to face cancer alone.