'This has to change': New dad, grieving mom fighting for Alberta to cover rare cancer treatment
CTV
A new dad from the Calgary area is pressing the province to fund a new cancer treatment that might improve his chances of seeing his daughter grow up.
A new dad from the Calgary area is pressing the province to fund a new cancer treatment that might improve his chances of seeing his daughter grow up.
Chris Dyment was diagnosed with bile duct cancer in April 2023 and after 12 rounds of chemotherapy, his treatment will soon end.
The 34-year-old’s daughter Courtney was born earlier this month.
“I look at my daughter and I want to be there with her," he said.
“Bile duct cancer is a very aggressive cancer and the percentages aren’t very high to begin with, so any percentage is better than none.”
Bile duct cancer, or cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), is a rare, aggressive cancer currently treated in Alberta by one drug, but if it’s unsuccessful, there is no second treatment option.
Health Canada has approved the use of the targeted therapy Pemigatinib (Pemazyre), but Alberta does not currently cover the roughly $15,000 per month cost.
