Chopper 10 pilot fights for his life

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) - Liver failure was not something WAVY-TV Chopper 10 Pilot John Massey imagined would come his way. 

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 doctors 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.

Several events are planned for Massey in the coming weeks.

Click here to learn more about donating organs.

Saturday, Dec. 1 a cornhole tournament will be held at 3129 Kings Highway in Suffolk starting at 6 p.m. until dawn.

Sunday, Dec. 9 a 1-mile poker run will be held, with registration starting at 11 a.m. at Boneshakers Bar and Grill, 1297 General Booth Blvd. The cost is $15 per bike and a $5 rider fee.

The poker game will be followed by an auction and a parking lot party until 6 p.m. at Boneshakers.

If you can not attend these events, the Masseys ask you send donations to PO Box 2908, Chesapeake VA 23320. You can also email Evelyn and John at manila1962@gmail.com.