2023-06-12 05:11:19
At only 25 years old, a resident of Quebec is suffering from an extremely rare cancer of the spinal cord. While his case has worsened in recent days, he must turn to American specialists to slow down the disease and keep the use of his legs.
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“For the type of cancer he has, there would be less than 20 in the world. […] In the last few days, we learned that he might paralyze at any time, ”says the spouse of Thomas Duclos, Anabel Perron.
Doctors who have treated the man she loves since she was first diagnosed three years ago have run out of solutions following an aggressive recurrence. He must now turn to a clinical study at the Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Institute in Boston.
“It’s an experimental study with extremely high costs, explains Thomas Duclos. From there, we hope that there will be other openings in surgery.
He will therefore be heading to Massachusetts in the coming weeks to follow this treatment, which will be spread over several months.
Photo Agence QMI, Marcel Tremblay
Thomas Duclos and his wife Anabel Perron remain hopeful despite the disease that strikes.
Unfailing Perseverance
In December 2020, Thomas Duclos stumbled in the middle of the street, as if his legs had stopped working. The height for an athlete who spent several years in the Ottawa Fury Academy, a professional soccer club. He was then diagnosed with aggressive spinal cord cancer on December 28, his birthday.
The young man then lost the use of his legs following a first surgery in January 2021. In March 2021, Thomas Duclos defied all predictions by quietly regaining the use of his lower limbs. During the following summer, he even started playing sports once more.
“Thomas is an incredible strength of character,” says Samuel Sévigny, a longtime friend who was also his soccer coach. He has always had this great quality of resilience and perseverance and I know he will use it to the end.
An “indescribable” response
As the experimental treatment in Boston and the accommodation associated with it are very expensive, the family and friends of the 25-year-old Quebecer have launched a campaign on the GoFundMe platform to help him.
Their goal was to raise $140,000. Against all expectations, the aid granted to Thomas amounted to more than double that amount in 48 hours.
“With all the love we’ve been receiving for the past few days, it gives us strength and hope. […] miracles happen and will happen because Thom is a fighter”, mentions his father, Luc, optimistic for the future.
As of this writing, the virtual fundraiser had over $300,000 in donations.
“It’s indescribable to see people giving, regardless of financial situation, where they are from and whether they are in our circle or not. It really gave Thomas energy,” said Anabel Perron, Thomas Duclos’ “angel”.
Height supports
Several high-level athletes such as Ottawa Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot and CF Montreal captain Samuel Piette have also shown their support via social media.
For his part, Quebec tennis player Félix Auger-Aliassime made a generous donation of $10,000.
“Everyone, in different sectors, mobilized and we are there today. It’s larger than life and it brings hope not only for Thomas, but for everyone, ”adds Samuel Sévigny.
– With the collaboration of TVA Nouvelles
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