Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883

Benefit Thursday for Clifton

Cassidy Clifton has carried the mantra "Be strong and brave" through more trials than most folks could imagine. It is sad to say, but this 19-year-old's challenges are far from over.

A benefit is scheduled for Sept. 5 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the New Rockford Eagles Club. This benefit dinner, cake walk and silent auction will seek to raise funds to offset the costs associated with advanced treatment for a persistent tumor.

What this tumor doesn't know, though, is that Cassidy's resolve and determination are unsurpassable. In the summer of 2017, Cassidy started to experience low back and hip pain, and for months, the pain was constant.

A consult with her family doctor resulted in an MRI that indicated a tumor was present on her second lumbar vertebra. Additional testing ruled out cancer and confirmed the growth as an Aneurismal Bone Cyst. Also known as an ABC tumor, this blood-filled lesion destroys bone and requires specialized treatment.

The next step was for Cassidy and her parents, Gina and Tony Clifton, to consult with a spinal surgeon at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital (UOM). The surgeon explained that there were two options: 1) remove the tumor or 2) remove the entire vertebra and stabilize the spine.

In December 2017 Cassidy had surgery to remove the tumor, but by January the pain had returned. While the doctors insisted she was experiencing post-operative pain, Cassidy knew it was more than that.

Within a few months, the pain had become severe enough that it interfered with everyday activities, some as simple as sitting. Knowing something was wrong with her body, Cassidy returned her family doctor. When massage and physical therapy failed to offer relief, the doctor ordered another MRI. The test showed that another tumor had grown, this one nearly as large as the first.

A new surgeon advised that her surgery would not be easy. More surgeons would be needed, and a team would have to be hired to monitor her nervous system throughout the procedure.

In May 2018, Cassidy underwent her second surgery, this time to remove the entire second lumbar vertebra and replace it with a titanium cage. To stabilize her spine, the surgeon placed rods along each side of the cage.

This May marked one year since that surgery. During her follow-up visit, Cassidy learned that a third ABC tumor was growing near the titanium cage. UOM doctors referred Cassidy to a pediatric interventional radiologist at the Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

On Sept. 23, Cassidy and her parents will fly to Ohio. It will be the first of three trips during which Cassidy will have injections to eliminate the tumor. Each trip requires an overnight stay.

Donations can be made to the Cassidy Clifton benefit account at any Community Credit Union location. Online funds may be sent to Gina Clifton through PayPal at [email protected].