Marcelle Labelle is asking the public for financial help for her 25-year-old son, Mat Rochette, who was diagnosed with lymphoma in February 2008.
Doctors recommended a drug called Bendamustine, a form of chemotherapy treatment, after all other available treatments were exhausted. The drug, not covered by the province, costs $45,000 and is only available outside of Canada.
Mat, who moved to Ottawa from Greater Sudbury, has received 15 treatments for the disease. He is unable to work due to his illness. He is staying at the Ottawa General Hospital in order for doctors to help him keep pain under control.
Labelle has been traveling back and forth from Sudbury for the last two years to be with her son. Labelle began a blog to help raise money for his treatment. For more information go to http://matfightscancer.blogspot.com.
