Ward Black could really use your help

Charleen Black, a local RPN on a leave of absence, would like to take the time to invite the City of Sault Ste. Marie to a very special event, a benefit that will help provide comfort, security, and compassion to a man she shares a special bond with - her uncle Ward Black.

A local resident of Sault Ste. Marie, Black was born on May 6, 1960 and was raised on Old Goulais Bay Road before moving to Fourth Line.

An avid outdoorsman who enjoys fishing and hunting, Black also provided instruction as a transportation training specialist after being laid off from Algoma Tube Mill.

However, last year in late February, 52-year-old Black was helping his father move things up from the basement when he felt an unusual pressure behind his right ear.

It followed with a headache, a feeling of faintness, and tingling in his lower legs.

Urged by his father to go to the hospital, Black drove himself to the emergency where an on-call doctor told him to brace himself for diagnosis.

Black was found to have AML, Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

A cancer of the myeloid blood cells, which is commonly caused by an abnormal rapid growth of white blood cells in the bone marrow.

Black was sent to Ottawa to receive four rounds of intense chemotherapy which enabled him to return home for the holidays.

However, it was not long until Black was experiencing shortness of breath, weakness and was encouraged to return to Ottawa for further treatment.

“He was able to come back and forth for a while in between the Sault and Ottawa, but after a while he was encouraged to stay there as his cancer had become more aggressive,” Charleen said. “His blood just wasn’t rebooting itself.”

Over the course of the last few months, Black has been through a series of medical trails including bone marrow testing and stem cell research.

Currently, Black is awaiting a compatible match for a stem cell transplant as he was unable to provide a bone marrow sample when doctors attempted extraction.

“They thought my dad would have been a match. When they went to draw out my uncle’s bone marrow, they said it was as if they were trying to extract from an empty hole,” Charleen added.

For Black, the physical discomfort faced through the series of treatments is minimal in comparison to the financial burden his medical situation has placed him in.

“Prior to his diagnosis he had hurt himself on the job and was recently divorced, he has always worked very hard, was raised working on a farm is the type of guy that would give the shirt off his back, doesn’t complain about much,”  brother William Black said.

Although 16 months apart, both brothers have been close, offering support to each other in times of need.

“For me, it is important that some sort of cancer list, or information regarding a series of services, support groups, networking sessions out there for people who are diagnosed with cancer. This information is not readily available and is not often offered up without asking a lot of questions. The benefit, in that regard is really about finding out more information, getting help for my brother, because he really needs all the help he can get,” William added.

Incapable of earning an income to provide for himself while receiving treatment in Ottawa, Black has been finding the obstacle of paying for room and board expensive, as well as transportation.

“Right now he is living in a motel dedicated to the out-treatment of cancer patients. Although the place is accommodating his needs it is approximately $600 dollars a week which does not include the cost of transportation. He does not have a vehicle and needs to catch a taxi to get around,” Charleen said.

Unfortunately the distance between Ottawa and Sault Ste. Marie has forced Black’s family to provide support and familial comfort the only way possible - through telephone calls.

“It would be nice to have the opportunity to go to Ottawa and visit him since he cannot really come here. My grandparents are hoping to have the chance to go see him, the benefit will really help with these types of travel expenses, help him find an affordable apartment, and food,” Charleen said.

Tickets for the benefit are $30 and will include a dinner and dance at the Elk’s Lodge on May 10.

With the intention to be closer to her uncle during this difficult time, Charleen is driven to inform the public and locate sponsors to donate prizes.

“I’m his only niece and my daughter, Claire is his only great-niece. Every picture of have of him is with her, so that if something does happen to him, she will always know who he is,” Charleen said.

All those who sponsor will also be featured on a banner the evening of the benefit in recognition.

To purchase tickets, provide a sponsored gift, and/or a donation please phone Charleen at (705) 450-0898.

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