Fort McMurray firefighter loses third battle with cancer

A Fort McMurray man whose unbreakable spirit served as an inspiration to many Albertans, lost his battle with cancer Sunday.

After a long and agonizing battle with cancer, firefighter and professional MMA fighter, Bo Cooper has died.

In a statement, hiswife, Irish Cooper, says the pain of her grief has left her in a "fog of emptiness."

"He was holding on for so long, but he suffered too much. I miss him more than anything in this world, but he is no longer in pain," shesaid in the statement.

• Fort McMurray firefighter approved for experimental cancer therapy

Cooper had been plagued with leukemia for most his adult life.

Blindsided with a diagnosis last year his third since 2011 Cooper was told chemotherapy was no longer an option and his treatment options were running out.

Cooper was approved to undergo experimental cancer treatment in the United States, but the cost of the therapy was steep.

Inspired by his desperate fight for survival, people from across the countryrallied around the 27-year-old.

In a few short weeks, the $880,000 needed for the treatment had poured in and in NovemberCooper travelled to the National Institute of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland, to undergo his first round of treatment.

It proved to be Cooper's last respite from the disease.

'I will never forget you'

In the spring, it appeared that he was in remission, but by September it was clear the treatment had failed.

Four weeks ago, an infection set in, and Cooper's healthbegan to falter.

He died on Sunday.

"All the post and messages are helping me get through the worst days of my life," his wife said. "Although Iam too weak to reply to all the love people have been showing me, but Iread them all, and Iam thankful.

"His heart was so pure, his heart is still pure, and a part of it is living inside me.

"Thank you baby for seven years of pure joy and unconditional love. I will never forget you. You will always be a part of me sweetheart. I love you more than anything in this world. I will see you again one day. Please give me strength."

FortMcMurraycolumnist Theresa Wells said she will remember how fundraising for Cooper's treatment united the cityto help a person many never met.

"You don't have to know someone personally for them to bring out the best in you," Wells said.

'Blinding and seething rage'

She wrote ablogafter hearing about the passing of Cooper and described her response to his death as"white hot, blinding and seething rage."

Wells was upset because May's wildfire prevented FortMcMurrayfrom welcoming back Cooper who had just returned to the community after his leukaemia was in remission.

An event was planned for May 4, oneday after thewildfire forced theevacuation of the community.

Wood BuffaloCoun.KeithMcGrathsays Cooper'sgrace and generosity made hima powerful figure in the community.

"Even when he was down,he was always trying to help somebody else. And of course he was a firefighter that saved many lives,"McGrathsaid.

"Ithink hisspiritis going to live on amongst his brothers and sisters in the firefighters association and he'll always be remembered."