WATCH: Ford’s political rivals show their support towards his battle with cancer. Mark McAllister explains
TORONTO – Olivia Chow and John Tory lauded Mayor Rob Ford as a “fighter” shortly after doctors announced the mayor had been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.
“There’s a lot of love and support out there and since Mr. Ford is so strong and he’s such a good fighter, I hope he can win this battle against cancer,” Chow said shortly after the announcement.
“I hope the Ford family can feel that warmth that envelops them right now.”
Dr. Zane Cohen, a senior doctor at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto announced Wednesday at 5 p.m. the mayor had been diagnosed with pleomorphic liposarcoma – a rare form of cancer that grows in the fatty tissue of the body.
Cohen said the cancer makes up about 1 per cent of all cancers.
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“We do know that Mayor Ford is a fighter and he will take this on as he said, the fight of his life and I know that all Torontonians will be standing behind him as he engages on that fight of his life,” Tory told reporters Wednesday evening.
Chow and Tory cancelled a debate scheduled for Wednesday evening out of respect for Ford’s health and both agreed the ongoing campaign debate – that had hitherto focused on Rob Ford – should now focus on policy.
“In terms of tomorrow, I think we will continue but let’s remember we’re talking about policies, not individuals, it’s very, very important to focus on the city,” Chow said.
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