Firefighter needs lifesaving treatment

Like most volunteer firefighters Mike Levy is in the business of protecting and saving the lives of others. Now the 46-year-old Newport Station man is on the other side of the fence and needs the public’s support to save his own.

Levy was diagnosed with a form of bone cancer after he began to lose the use of his leg. A tumor had pressed into his spine and although he underwent surgery five weeks ago, not all of the malignant growth could be removed without risking paralization. Now the only hope for Levy is an intense radiation treatment unavailable in Nova Scotia.

“They can’t give him the proper radiation here,” said Levy’s sister Donna Slauenwhite, “It’s just too difficult to get deep into his spine to kill the cancer cells.” Because of the high costs associated with that type of radiation treatment, there are only two hospitals in North America that have the necessary equipment -- one in Boston and the other located in California.

Although this form of cancer is slow growing, this treatment is Levy’s only chance of preventing further paralysis and making a full recovery.

“That is one thing that’s a plus,” Slauenwhite said. “Because it’s slow we have more time to get him help,”

Levy first noticed the numbness and tingling in his left leg around Christmas time, his sister said. “When he totally lost the use of his leg, he knew something was wrong.” For an active member of the Windsor Volunteer Fire Department the diagnosis came as a shock.

“They did the surgery right away, but he suffers a lot of pain.”

Slauenwhite said her brother is a fighter, but he is not accustomed to any kind of illness. “He’s used to being active. He’s never been in a hospital before, or ever really sick.”

Levy’s doctor has made the referral to the Boston Hospital and now waits to confirm his transfer. Until that time, Levy will continue treatments at the Rehabilitation Center in Halifax, where the most doctors can do is try to manage the chronic pain.

Levy’s right leg is still severely affected and he depends on a walker or cane to get around.

Due to the huge cost associated with treatment at the Boston Hospital, Levy’s friends, family and co-workers have organized a silent auction with all proceeds going toward the Mike Levy fund. They are currently asking the public and businesses for donations of new items to be auctioned.

So far, friend Leslie Porter says support for Levy has been tremendous and they continue to request help.

“We are planning other fundraisers in the coming weeks,” Porter said. “Mike has been a great friend and committed community volunteer over the years and he is well loved and supported. The response from my emails to friends, businesses and people who don't even know Mike has been amazing.”

Levy sister says that he has been grateful for all the visits and cards people have sent.

The silent auction will take place June 4 that the Ste. Croix Hall in St. Croix with viewing at 6:30 p.m., auction to start at 7 pm.