Longtime Main Line Firefighter Battling Rare Form Of Leukemia

MAIN LINE, PA — A Main Line resident who has dedicated his life to aiding the area in emergency situations is battling a rare for of leukemia.

Tony LePera is a volunteer firefighter with Penn Wynne-Overbrook Hills Fire Company and a life member at Narberth Fire Company.

With years of service to the Main Line, the tenacious first responder is now in need of some help from those he's determined to serve.

LePera was diagnosed with a rare, slow growing cancer called hairy cell leukemia in September 2018, according to a GoFundMe page set up to help his family offset medical costs.

After his diagnosis, he underwent chemotherapy. Unfortunately, the treatment was unsuccessful.

While there is no cure for hairy cell leukemia, it can be put into remission. With that in mind, LePera started more chemotherapy on Tuesday. He will receive treatment every other week for one year.

Money raised via GoFundMe will help him pay for his treatments and medical expenses. Due to insurance costs and high deductibles, the out-of-pocket expenses exceed the families monthly income.

LePera has been married to his wife Mary for 34 years; the two have three children and one granddaughter.

"He loves the outdoors and dreams of taking his granddaughter fishing," the GoFundMe page reads. "Tony is always willing to lend a hand, to his family, friends, and neighbors."

See here to contribute.