Fixed Ops Magazine - 2021 Vol18 02 - 66

DIREC TO RY O F ADV E RT IS E R S
Dealers vs. Cancer - Leonard
Bellavia is a nationally renowned
dealership attorney. In 2016, at
age 58, Bellavia's yearly physical
revealed a slightly elevated PSA
level, a marker for prostate cancer. The doctor took a biopsy and ordered some imaging
tests. A few days later, he was told he had stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer, which had spread to his bones; he
had a year to live. It was suggested he get his affairs in
order, including winding down his practice.
He met with the president of the local bar association for
assistance in closing his Mineola-based law practice, the
largest firm representing franchised auto dealers in the
country in wrongful termination cases, then he spent a
month secretly boxing up his office. He applied to get
into a clinical trial for an experimental treatment at Sloan
Kettering but was rejected because his cancer was too
far advanced " my depression was profound and debilitating, " he says.
Then the salvation. One late afternoon, while cleaning out
his office, he took a call from the medical director of Sloan
Kettering's laboratory, who told Bellavia, " I have never had
to make a call like this, but I am so excited to tell you we
made a horrific mistake. We misread your biopsy. " Weeks
earlier, Bellavia's wife had asked the hospital to " appeal "
his diagnosis, a term that she was familiar with from her
husband's practice. " So we did, " the doctor said. " I can
assure you, you are not dying. " Bellavia did have lowgrade prostate cancer, but the finding that it had spread
throughout his body was false. His cancer was treatable
after all. " I recall saying 'Oh, my God' five times in a row, "
Bellavia says.
He experienced the emotions you'd expect: elation, anger, survivor's guilt. He thought about suing the hospital
but took a different path. " I know Sloan Kettering does
a lot of good. So I called their senior attorney and asked
them to send a large check to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, " he says. " I told them, 'Either do the right thing, or
I will sue you.' " They did the right thing.
Realizing this must have happened for a reason, Bellavia contacted the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) and
asked how he could help. He was approved to spearhead
" Dealers vs. Cancer " nationwide. Each year since 2017,
Bellavia produces a classic car show in upstate New York
called " Cruisin' For The Cure " . This year it will be held
on September 20th at Windham Mountain Resort. Those
that contribute at least $50 by August 30th, shall receive .
If you are interested in making a donation, please reach
out to DealersvCancer@dealerlaw.com. To mail in a donation, please make checks payable to Dealers vs. Cancer
and mail to:
Bellavia Blatt, PC
200 Old country Rd.
Mineola, NY 11501

DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS

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FixedOps Marketing

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OEConnection

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RapidRecon

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Revolution Parts

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Ted Ings FixedOps Round Table

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TCC Total Customer Connect

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Unotifi

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WeatherTech

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Fixed Ops Magazine - 2021 Vol18 02

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Fixed Ops Magazine - 2021 Vol18 02