‘I just want more time:’ N.S. woman counting on funding for $30,000 cancer treatment – CTV
April 21, 2026
Time is something Lisa MacDonald and her family are willing to pay thousands for as the 43-year-old battles an aggressive form of ovarian cancer.
“I have two children graduating. I have a 16-year-old learning to drive. I have another child that’s cooking and going to Finland for it. I have things I want to see, things I want to be there for,” says MacDonald, who lives in Shearwater, N.S.
After several failed rounds of chemotherapy, her family is counting on Elahere – a form of chemotherapy – to buy her more time.
However, the drug has a price tag of $30,000 per dose, and would need to be taken every 28 days.
“Unfortunately, the drug is not covered by provincial health care. So, we have to pay out of pocket. I checked with my insurance company, it’s not covered by them either,” says Jonathan MacDonald, Lisa’s husband.
