Yellowknife (Aug 20/03) - The sun is Leroy McLeod's enemy. The rays most of us worship cause his skin to burn, ooze and scab, and have caused the cancer that is attacking his body.

Formerly a farmer in Jamaica, Leroy McLeod's outdoor lifestyle is believed to have led to his skin cancer. - Lisa Scott/NNSL photo

Leroy is an albino from Jamaica. He was born without protective pigment in his skin, eyes and hair. The climate of his tropical homeland causes skin pain, eye problems and squamous cell carcinoma.

Formerly a farmer in Jamaica, his outdoor lifestyle is believed to have led to his skin cancer.

His sister Charmaine also suffers from the genetic condition, but since she immigrated to Yellowknife 20 years ago her skin has cleared and her health has thrived.

The difference between the siblings is obvious. While Charmaine still experiences discomfort and eye problems, her skin is clear compared to the burns and freckles of her brother.

Leroy came to visit his sister in May and her improved condition prompted him to apply for permanent resident status under humanitarian and compassionate conditions.

"It's like going to the death chamber," Charmaine says of Jamaica. When she lived there she experienced headaches, freckles, and always felt sick.

When asked why she embraces a Northern life now, Charmaine says "it's about staying healthy...it's a lifestyle."

Since arriving in Yellowknife, Leroy has been embraced by Northern Outreach Rescue Ministries (NORM), a charity organization.

The same community that embraced his sister years ago is now supporting him too. Jim Winsor is a NORM spokesperson and has been gathering local volunteers to raise funds for Leroy's medical treatment in Edmonton.

He has no medical insurance and his bills are likely to exceed $50,000.

NORM has raised $6,000 so far, through donations and a garage sale. They have also appealed to the government for assistance through MLAs Sandy Lee and Charles Dent.

Winsor is guiding Leroy through the application for permanent resident status and is confident that with community help, hope can be given to Leroy, his wife and two children.

"It can happen fairly quickly under the right conditions," said Winsor of the immigration process.

Doctors are assured that with immediate care, McLeod's cancer can be treated. He is slated to start treatment in Edmonton this month.