Achi news desk-
A popular chef, who is battling 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 such as CTV Morning Live and The Social.
Tizzard shared a post on social media on Thursday, giving an update on her health.
“Well everyone, this is happening. Also the reason why I have been MIA for so long. This is not an easy job for me to share with you,” he wrote on social media.
The post included a link to a GoFundMe page, which details her health battle.
“After months of seeking answers about the debilitating symptoms she has been experiencing, it has now been confirmed that she has a rare and aggressively growing brain tumor called Chondrosarcoma,” reads the GoFundMe post, written by Amelia Cooke, one of Tizzard’s friends.
“Christine has been dealing with this privately, but to date, she has a visual and hearing impairment, and her overall quality of life has declined significantly.”
According to the post, Tizzard’s diagnosis is still evolving, but it has been determined that she will need immediate surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible. The operation may be followed by radiation and/or chemotherapy.
“The tumor has grown significantly in the last 6-8 weeks and is now not only occupying the base of her skull but growing down around the spine and wrapping around the spinal cord. This makes the operation much more complicated,” Cooke wrote.
“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 general health is deteriorating every day.”
A GoFundMe page was also shared by her singer-songwriter partner Matt Mays.
“Thank you for considering, everyone. Big love in return to everyone who has sent me Chrissy,” Mays wrote 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.
“Medical costs outside the country are astronomical, but surgery in Pittsburgh may be necessary due to the immediate nature of this case. Surgery in the US will cost between $150,000 and $250,000 CAD. To begin with,” read the page.
Tizzard and Mays will spend the next three to four weeks in either Toronto or Pittsburgh preparing for her upcoming surgeries. Both are self-employed, and their inability to work during that time adds further stress to the financial pressure of the upcoming medical expenses.
“The very last thing Christine and her loved ones should be worried about is how they are going to be able to survive financially over the next few months,” Cooke wrote.
“This is the start of a long journey for which Christine will need significant support physically, emotionally and financially.”
As of 5 pm on Friday, the GoFundMe page, which has a goal of $150,000, has raised over $70,000.
