 Former Dons Star Aided by Fellow Alum in Battle With Cancer
Patrick Clardy, a forward on USF's men's basketball team from 1986-88, is accustomed to battling on the court. During his junior year at USF, Clardy was the team's top scorer, averaging 13.3 points per game. He also led USF to a win over the celebrated Kevin Johnson-led Cal team by sinking a shot with nine seconds remaining.
Clardy is now fighting a different kind of battle. In 1994, he was diagnosed with intestinal cancer and today he struggles for his life, uncertain of what tomorrow holds.
"As for my health, I am stable," Clardy said. "That's the only thing I can say because it changes from day to day."
Clardy's uncertain future prompted him to establish a trust fund to provide for his 6-year-old daughter Taylor, his inspiration during the days when his bout with cancer seems unbearable.
"I have days when I want to give up and she won't let me," Clardy said. "It's a struggle but she keeps my mind on other things."
Taylor knows of her father's condition, but Clardy and Taylor's mother, Tracey Lucas, decided it was best if she didn't know all of the details. "She knows he's sick and she visits him in the hospitals and she worries about him a lot," Lucas said.
After reading about Clardy's story in local newspapers, USF alumnus Joe Hoffman, JD '81, decided to help by establishing a second trust fund for Clardy's duaghter. Hoffman grew up in humble conditions, but has had good luck and success in life. He wants others to have the help he had, he said.
"I have had many blessings in my life and I want to share with others," Hoffman said. "It's a very fulfilling thing to do."
A self-acclaimed "basketball junkie," Hoffman frequented the Dons games and remembers Clardy as a graceful player.
"I still can't believe people remember me when I played at USF. I left in '88," Clardy said. "The response has been real incredible."
Hoffman and Clardy spoke on the phone and eventually the two met and became acquaintances. Hoffman said that Clardy's natural grace on the court is evident in all areas of his life.
"He is such a gentle spirit," Hoffman said. "He has no remorse about death. He faces it with such dignity, and as graceful as he was on court."
When Clardy played for the Dons, he was fulfilling his childhood dream. Since sixth grade, Clardy attended summer basketball camps at USF in hopes of following in the footsteps of USF greats, such as Bill Russell.
"The most fun I ever had was playing (basketball) at USF," said Clardy. "USF was my first choice all around. There was no doubt I wanted to go to USF. Even if they had stopped the (basketball) program, I would have gone to USF for my first year."
When Clardy joined the Dons in 1986, USF was two years into the reinstatement of the basketball program after a three-year lapse. Jim Brovelli was the head coach at USF from 1984-1995, and remembers every move Clardy made on the court.
"Pat was a major player in every game," Brovelli said. "He was a quick jumper, he got above the other players, which is good for a guy his size. We always knew Pat was ready for anything."
Clardy and his family are grateful for all the support they have received, especially from Hoffman. "Joe has been the biggest surprise because he came out of nowhere," Clardy said. "We really appreciate everything he and everyone are doing for us."
Donations can be made out to: Joe Hoffman, Trustee for Taylor Clardy, 900 Larkspur Landing Circle, Ste. 155, Larkspur, CA 94939. 
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