'This has to change': New dad, grieving mom fighting for Alberta to cover rare cancer treatment

A new dad from the Calgary area is pressing the province to fund a new cancer treatment that might improve his chances of seeing his daughter grow up.

Chris Dyment was diagnosed with bile duct cancer in April 2023 and after 12 rounds of chemotherapy, his treatment will soon end.

Health Canada has approved the use of the targeted therapy Pemigatinib (Pemazyre), but Alberta does not currently cover the roughly $15,000 per month cost.

Brenda Clayton’s oldest daughter, Rebecca, was diagnosed with the rare cancer in 2020 and died in 2021, six and half months after her first-line treatment ended.

“We recognize that people living with bile duct cancer have few treatment options and are seeking new and better ways to address this disease.

She has also reached out to the health ministers in every province and territory in Canada, hoping to be part of a more promising future for people facing this disease.