Fundraiser for Chopper 10 pilot

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) - A fundraiser for Chopper 10 pilot John Massey was held Sunday afternoon at Boneshakers Bar and Grill on General Booth Boulevard.

A 1-mile poker run was held, with registration starting at 11 a.m., at the bar located at 1297 General Booth Blvd. The cost was $15 per bike and a $5 rider fee.

The poker game was followed by an auction and a parking lot party until 6 p.m.

Anyone who wasn't able to attend the event can send donations to P.O. Box 2908, Chesapeake, VA 23320. You can also email Evelyn and John at manila1962@gmail.com.

Doctors diagnosed Massey with liver failure, something he said he never expected. After all, he was an Army pilot in Korea during the early 1980s.

He survived Korea, but now, his military service came back to haunt his health. 

"I was exposed to a virus serving in the Army in Korea and it takes 25 to 30 years to show up... and it's been that long since I was in the military," Massey said.

Massey said he visited a doctor's office back in April when he wasn't feeling well.

"I had liver failure," Massey said.  

Following the diagnosis, a round of tests and medications led to his license to fly being suspended.

Massey is now on waiting lists in Virginia and North Carolina for a new liver.

"It's very tough," Massey said. "It really is because you don't know when the call is going to come. What your health is going to do between now and the time the call does come. So you just put your faith in God and hope it all works out."

His wife, Evelyn, is right by his side.

"I want to spend 30 to 40 years with him and I will do anything to keep him alive and luckily, I have a lot of support out there," she said.

Massey remains upbeat and positive as his condition is now stable. 

"Hopefully I'll get a transplant soon," Massey said.