Chef Christine Tizzard diagnosed with aggressive form of cancer
A popular chef, who is fighting a battle against an aggressive form of cancer, is getting support from her community.
Christine Tizzard is a cookbook author, spokesperson, and brand ambassador, who many may recognize from her appearances on shows like CTV Morning Live and The Social.
Tizzard shared a post on social media Thursday, providing an update on her health.
“Well Everyone, this is happening. Also a reason why I have been MIA for so long. This is not an easy post for me to share with you,” she wrote on social media.
The post included a link to a GoFundMe page, which provides details about her health struggle.
“After months of seeking answers for the debilitating symptoms she has been experiencing, it is now confirmed that she has a rare and aggressively growing brain tumor called a Chondrosarcoma,” reads the GoFundMe post, written by Amelia Cooke, one of Tizzard’s friends.
“Christine has been dealing with this privately, but to date, is now visually and hearing impaired, and her overall quality of life has significantly declined.”
According to the post, Tizzard’s diagnosis is still evolving, but it has been determined she will need immediate surgery to remove as much of the tumour as possible. The surgery could be followed by radiation and/or chemotherapy.
“The tumor has grown significantly in the last 6-8 weeks and is now not only occupying her skull base but growing down around the spine and wrapping around her spinal cord. This makes the operation significantly more complex,” wrote Cooke.
“To further complicate matters, the tumor is also growing around her carotid artery, as well as other vascular arteries and important nerves that control vision, hearing, speech, swallowing, and mobility. Her overall health is declining daily.”
The GoFundMe page was also shared by her partner singer-songwriter Matt Mays.
“Thanks for considering, everyone. Much love in return to all those who’ve sent it to Chrissy n’ me,” wrote Mays on social media.
According to the GoFundMe page, Tizzard has a surgical team in Toronto, but may need to travel to the United States for care.
“Out-of-country medical expenses are astronomical, but the immediate nature of this case may require surgery in Pittsburgh. Surgery in the US will cost between $150,000 and $250,000 CAD. To start,” reads the page.
Tizzard and Mays will spend the next three to four weeks either in Toronto or Pittsburgh preparing for her upcoming surgeries. Both self-employed, their inability to work during that time adds further strain to the financial weight of the upcoming medical expenses.
“The very last thing Christine and her loved ones should be concerned about is how they are going to be able to survive financially over the next few months,” writes Cooke.
“This is the beginning of a long journey for which Christine will need considerable support physically, emotionally, and financially.”
As of 5 p.m. Friday, the GoFundMe page, that has a $150,000 goal, has raised over $70,000.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta boundary: RCMP
A B.C. man is recovering from multiple injuries after he was "attacked suddenly" by an adult grizzly bear near Elkford Thursday afternoon.
Box tree moths have infested Ontario and experts say more are coming. Here's what to do to protect your garden
An invasive moth species is on the rise in Canada and, if you've planted a certain shrub, it could stand to ruin your garden.
His SUV was stolen on Montreal's South Shore. Then he got a $156 parking ticket
A couple is frustrated after their SUV was stolen from Montreal's South Shore in March and they received a parking ticket for the same vehicle last week.
Israel-Hamas war protesters temporarily take over building on University of Chicago campus
A group protesting the war in Gaza and demanding that the University of Chicago divest from companies doing business with Israel temporarily took over a building on the school's campus.
Jesus is their savior, Trump is their candidate. Ex-president's backers say he shares faith, values
As Donald Trump increasingly infuses his campaign with Christian trappings while coasting to a third Republican presidential nomination, his support is as strong as ever among evangelicals and other conservative Christians.
To plant or not to plant? Gardening tips for May long weekend
May long weekend is finally here, and with the extra time off you may be getting the itch to head out to your garden and plant. However, the old debate whether you should plant now, or wait, is still ever-present.
Impaired driver sentenced to 7 years after double-fatal Cambridge crash
A man who killed two people in a drunk driving crash was sentenced Friday to seven years behind bars.
Banking mogul suing government after intelligence leaks leave him shut out of Canadian economy
Chinese Canadian banking mogul Shenglin Xian has launched a $300 million lawsuit against the federal government. It’s a means to find the source of intelligence leaks which Xian says has cost him his livelihood.