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Last updated on Monday, May 21, 2018
(BLOOMFIELD) - An online campaign has been created to help Greene County Sheriff’s Deputy Harvey Holt in his battle with lung cancer.
Kristen Inman, of the Greene County Daily World reported, in the first nine hours of a GoFundMe campaign, more than one person an hour have donated, and nearly a fifth of the $5,000 goal has been reached to help the Greene County Sheriff's Department deputy and K-9 handler battling cancer.
Courtesy photo of Greene County Sheriff's Department Deputy Harvey Holt and his Air Force K-9 Jjackson posing for a photo while sitting atop a tank in Iraq.
Linton Police Officer Paul Clark, on behalf of the Fraternal Order of Police, created the GoFundMe page, "Help Harvey Battle Cancer" on Sunday evening. Around 9:30 a.m., the campaign had reached $850 from fellow officers, friends of Harvey and grateful community members. The campaign had been shared 186 times on social media.
Holt lives with his wife Debbie in the Worthington area, sharing their home with five "fur kids"--which includes working dog Layla and retired K-9 Dristan.
"Harvey Holt is a hero. And a real servant. Harvey has served his country, his community, his county and everyone he's ever encountered," wrote Clark on the GoFundMe summary.
Clark wrote of Holt's willingness to serve his country as an Air Force Technical Sergeant, and then his battle to adopt his K-9 partner Jjackson, who served with him during the Iraqi Conflict, after he received conflicting reports that left Holt worried his 10-year-old comrade was in danger of being "decommissioned"- possibly put down. Holt fought to bring Jjackson home for more than a year, from late 2012 to early 2014. Holt brought Jjackson home in March 2014, but continued to fight for Jjackson's health until he bid farewell to his friend for good the following November.
"From fighting for Jjackson, to Badges for Band-Aids, Harvey always makes sure he's helping others... Harvey now needs our help. He is beginning a battle with lung cancer. He has the warrior mindset that he will win this battle."
Marvin Holt remembers that his brother, Harvey, told him about the diagnosis April 5, because Harvey's grand-niece Renley was born that day. A "spot" had been found in Holt's lung and was deemed cancerous. Marvin says the cancer is still in its first stage.
Clark added that Holt would undergo surgery and treatments that Holt would likely have to pay COBRA insurance rates on in addition to various other medical bills.
"Harvey deserves help. And he's humble enough to never ask for help," Clark told GCDW. "We have to rally around the people who are so willing to help others. And Harvey is that guy."
Marvin said that until a few days ago, very few people knew about Holt's lung cancer diagnosis, but he expects awareness to grow as more people learn about the GoFundMe campaign. Marvin said his brother may possibly open an account with MutualBank for people to donate to, avoiding the GoFundMe fees to donors.
"Pray for him. Pray for the family. Harvey's pretty strong and stubborn, so I think he'll get through this," said Marvin.
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