Toronto Mayor Rob Ford is thanking residents of Toronto for their support during his hospitalization over the last week.
In an audio recording sent out by his communications director, Ford said he's been humbled by the "overwhelming kindness and support" he's received from the public.
The message was recorded hours before Ford was to begin his first round of chemotherapy after being diagnosed with a rare type of cancer.
"It means the world to us that so many of you have reached out to show concern and offer prayers," Ford said with a hoarse voice.
"I am determined to face this head on and return strong for my family and for my city."
Ford ended his statement saying his "heart goes out" to anyone in similar situations, telling them to stay positive.
"Just never ever give up. God bless all of you and all the best."
Race for mayor
In the statement, Ford also thanked his brother Doug for sharing his vision and fighting for his beliefs. Rob Ford went on to say that he asked Doug to "carry the torch" and continue the work they started together by running for mayor in his place.
"I'm happy that he's agreed. Toronto needs Doug Ford as mayor," Rob Ford said, asking Ford Nation to throw their support behind Doug.
Olivia Chow, also running for Toronto mayor, told CTV News Channel on Thursday that the brothers' switch isn't really affecting her campaign. Chow said that the Fords share similar values, as demonstrated by city council votes.
"I don't think people can afford four more years of the Fords' policy," she said.
Like Chow, fellow running mate John Tory said he's worried about the idea of having another Ford brother in office.
"A Ford is a Ford," he said Sunday.
Both Chow and Tory expressed their concern for Rob Ford, saying that the mayor is a fighter.
Diagnosis released Wednesday
Ford has pleomorphic liposarcoma, a type of cancer found in the soft, fatty tissue of the body, his doctor told media gathered at a press conference on Wednesday.
Colorectal surgeon Dr. Zane Cohen said Ford's 12-by-12-centimetre is a "difficult" and "aggressive" type of cancer, based on its rate of growth.
"We are treating this very aggressively in order to eradicate the tumour," he said.
Though it has not spread to other organs, Cohen said that a smaller tumour was also found in the mayor's buttock, behind the left hip.
Ford will begin chemotherapy sometime in the next 48 hours, Cohen said Wednesday night. He'll be treated for three days at Mount Sinai Hospital before being released. He'll have to return for another round of chemo in 17 days.
Cohen said Ford may have to undergo radiation or surgery after two rounds of chemo, but doctors are hoping the chemo will shrink the tumours.
Who's in charge?
Though the election is fast approaching, Ford is still the mayor of Toronto.
However, Ford's diagnosis is unlikely to have much of an impact on city politics. Ford was stripped of most of his political powers in November after he admitted to purchasing illegal drugs and make a crude sexual comment while on live television.
On Nov. 15, Toronto councillors voted to strip Ford's appointment and emergency powers, handing the duties over to Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly
Three days later, city council voted in favour of reducing the mayor's remaining powers, and transferring his budget to Kelly.
Since November, Kelly has effectively been in charge of the city, and will continue to be in charge until the Oct. 27 election.
