Rob Ford’s family by his side in hospital

News release rebuts rumours as colourful ex-mayor battles abdominal cancer

Rob Ford’s family says they are by his side in hospital “as he continues his battle against cancer.”

In a statement issued late Thursday afternoon by Ford’s chief of staff Dan Jacobs, they ask “for privacy during this difficult time, and thank the people of Toronto and around the world for their ongoing prayers and support.

“Should there be any developments, a further release will follow.”

Jacobs later took to Twitter, saying “to clarify, recent statement released was in response to the rumours currently circulating on social media” that erroneously reported the former mayor had passed away.

Ford, now councillor for Ward 2 (Etobicoke North), was diagnosed with pleomorphic liposarcoma in 2014, after a tumour was found in his abdomen.

Last May, Ford underwent a 10hour surgery to remove the abdominal tumour, and in October of last year, he said he was sure his cancer had returned after tumours were found on his bladder.

At the time, his brother Doug Ford told CP24 that the new tumours were roughly five centimetres and seven centimetres long, and that he would undergo more rounds of chemotherapy before doctors could determine if surgery was an option.

“Rob’s in a massive battle right now, and we’re just going to keep fighting and do whatever we can, leave no stone unturned, and making sure he gets as much help as he needs,” said Doug Ford, who had run to replace his brother as mayor in 2014. When Ford was readmitted to Mount Sinai hospital, his family launched the website GetWellRobFord.com, asking families to share their support, as well as their own cancer-survival stories.

Doug Ford told the Star this week that the site “really picks up (Rob’s) spirits.”

“He’s very grateful for the outpouring of support he is receiving.”

Just this month, it was announced that Ford was taking part in a clinical trial at Mount Sinai, becoming one of the first Canadians to be treated under an innovative method using mice, implanted with the same tumour, to help oncologists identify the best treatment for a patient by testing different drugs.

On Thursday, several politicians took to social media to wish Ford well, including former Cambridge PC MPP Rob Leone and Ontario’s former NDP premier Bob Rae.