Ex-Comptroller Battling For Life, Not Public Office

NEW YORK (WCBS 880) – Howard Weitzman may have lost his bid for reelection for Nassau County, Long Island comptroller, but he won another battle worth just as much.

Weitzman was diagnosed in 2009 with a rare blood disease called amylodosis. The disorder causes organs like the heart, kidneys and liver to malfunction, and if it's left untreated, it could be fatal.

LISTEN: WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reports

"It's a blood disorder that causes the proteins to malfunction and as a result they accumulate in your critical organs," Weitzman said.

The disease, which has fewer than 2,000 new cases a year, normally affects people in their 60s—just like Weitzman.

"The average age is 63 years old. I was two months past my 63rd birthday when I was diagnosed," he said.

The symptoms are similar to other disorders so it's sometimes difficult to diagnose.

"There are many symptoms: lower blood pressure, fatigue, swelling, loss of appetite," he said.

Weitzman wants to raise $100,000 at a fundraiser on Feb. 10 at Leonard's in Great Neck, Long Island. Everyone is invited to purchase tickets.