Guelph-Eramosa staff and council are rallying around one of their own: chief building official Mike Newark.
For over a month, Newark has been fighting a severe strain of leukemia which has seen him receiving treatment at the Grand River Cancer Centre, including requiring 22 units of blood as part of that treatment.
Newark attended the council meeting on April 7 to lend his support to a township-initiated blood donor campaign.
“Staff at the Township Guelph-Eramosa set up a Partners for Life account with Canadian Blood Services, in which we will be donating blood to meet a goal of 30 units,” Mayor Chris White said.
“Since the locally-donated blood is used in local hospitals, some of our donations could even help [Newark].”
“Mike, we send you positive thoughts and support during this difficult time and we want to see you keep fighting this courageous battle.”
White told Newark that as soon as all the snow is gone from the township parking lot the bicycle stand will be put back in place, referring to Newark’s daily routine of biking to work from his home about 25 kilometres away.
Newark has been the township’s chief building official for the past nine years and prior to that served as a building inspector for about five years.
He told the Advertiser the illness was discovered after he had been away on vacation in Vancouver and returned home to play a game of hockey, something he did every week.
“I was playing hockey and I got out on the ice and I couldn’t move; my hands felt tingly,” he said.
Subsequent tests found Newark’s white blood cells were attacking his red blood cells cutting off oxygen in the blood.
“I went to a specialist and they did a bone marrow extract, gave me a blood transfusion, took me upstairs and started chemotherapy,” he said. “It’s like a living hell.”
The leukemia has also meant that Newark is prone to picking up other diseases and has suffered from pneumonia. His blood clotting system is also diminished.
“I almost bled to death,” he said of a minor incident.
The treatment has left him weak and, at times, confused. But on Monday he was well enough to make the trip to the township office.
“I’ve been [in the hospital] for 32 days just to get me stable,” he added.
Newark said the illness has made him aware of how fragile life can be and how small things like giving blood can make a difference. He had never given blood in the past, he admitted.
“I was one of those guys who was pretty squeamish,” he said of the reason he never considered donating blood. “People don’t realize how much is needed. I just want to raise awareness.”
The next step in his treatment could involve a bone marrow transplant once a suitable donor is found.
Those interested in donating blood can call 1-888-2-DONATE or visit a local clinic.
The closest one to township residents is located at 130 Silvercreek Parkway North in Guelph.
The township will be posting information on the Partners for Life on its website in the near future.
