News Digest

'I'll beat this terrible disease': Rob Ford releases audio clip from hospital

The day after Toronto’s mayor was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer from a tumour in his abdomen, Rob Ford’s brother and mayoral candidate Doug Ford released an audio clip in which the ailing mayor vows to fight the disease he has been stricken with and encourages voters to support Doug Ford in his bid for mayor. Rob Ford was diagnosed Wednesday with malignant liposarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that arises from fat cells and attacks soft tissues in the body.

In a few hours, I will begin my chemotherapy. Then I will spend the next little while with my family focused on getting better.

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford

The audio clip, just over two minutes in length, was posted on Doug Ford’s website Thursday afternoon. The 45-year-old Rob Ford withdrew his bid to be re-elected as mayor last Friday, opting to run as a councillor in next month’s election instead, because of health concerns. He was polling well behind front-runner John Tory when he withdrew. With a croaking voice, Ford also spoke of his resolve in the face of cancer.

With the love and support of my family and my friends and the people of Toronto, I know I’ll beat this terrible disease.

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford