Ford government remains under fire after Toronto woman denied out-of-country cancer treatment

Sabrina Apitz-Grossman, a young woman from Toronto, was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 28 and faced a grueling three-year struggle. Her ordeal began with a cancer recurrence in her lungs and a healthcare system that seemed unwilling to assist. Initially diagnosed with a hamstring injury, Apitz-Grossman discovered the cancer and fought against two battles - the cancer and the fight to secure treatment.

Doctors advised her that the most effective treatment was only available in the United States, supported by Ontario Health's expert reviews. Despite initial optimism, the Ministry of Health denied her application for out-of-country treatment, leaving her frustrated and fighting for her life.

The treatment she seeks, Tecelra, is a personalized therapy derived from a patient's own T-cells, a type of white blood cell. Nearly half of patients in similar situations benefit from this treatment, with a 90 percent survival rate after one year and a 70 percent chance of survival after two years, according to her oncologist. The cost of the treatment is a staggering US$727,000.

Apitz-Grossman's saga continued to unfold in the Ontario legislature when MPP Robin Lennox accused the health minister of lying about her eligibility for out-of-country coverage. Lennox's claim was vehemently denied by the Minister, who insisted the decision was based on expert assessments.

As Apitz-Grossman's battle rages on, she remains determined to access the treatment that could save her life. She has vowed to take her case to court after her appeal was denied by the province's health services review board, and the matter will be heard in less than a few weeks.