I went head-to-head with a speeding truck and had 18 months off. Fan-bloody-tastic. Felt great after about 12 months and had 6 months summer leave for free. Lost a lot of income and a command course but still live well within my means.
Have you thought of asking for a year off? Maybe the employer would bite your hand off? Also, go to night school for a completely different career path or become a day-off instructor in something. I now teach, plus I have a very handy tech skill that earns me some extra cash. Most fulfilling.