While you were sleeping: New treatments, new support, new homes

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Catch up on the latest news while your coffee brews.

Promising drug trial for rare cancer in young children comes to Montreal

A promising but experimental therapy for neuroblastoma that was previously only available in the United States will soon be offered at Ste-Justine Hospital and the Montreal Children’s Hospital. The experimental drug, DFMO, is a repurposed medication that for decades has been used to treat African sleeping sickness. Only children whose cancer is in remission are considered eligible for the DFMO trial. Dr. Giselle Sholler, a pediatric oncologist from Pointe-Claire who pioneered the treatment, found that about 40 per cent of patients with high-risk neuroblastoma relapse within four years. In the initial study, less than 15 per cent of children receiving DFMO relapsed. Patients take the medication twice a day for two years. A handful of Canadian parents and a small group of dedicated pediatric oncologists were instrumental in bringing DFMO to Canada.

New LGBTQ2+ support group to launch in Hudson

St-Lazare resident Vivianne LaRivière is starting a new support group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, queer, questioning, two-spirit and allies in Hudson. Ultimately, she said, the purpose of the group is to create a sense of belonging. The first meeting of the group is planned for Sunday, Sept. 30 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Hudson Community Centre. The event is free, however, donations will be accepted to fund future activities. The intention of the first meeting is simply to meet and discuss what participants want and need to see in their community, LaRivière said. While the mission of the all-ages group is to offer support and create an opportunity for local LGBT people and allies to meet each other, she said the activities of the group could end up being anything from political or social activism to simply being a safe space to socialize.

Construction begins on 260-unit townhouse complex in Vaudreuil-Dorion

A new townhouse project now under construction in Vaudreuil-Dorion will boast not only a clubhouse and pool, but also a private park with a playground — features designed to bring neighbours together. Developer Robert Cohen said he aims to offer affordable, family-oriented housing that entices residents to spend time within the complex and the surrounding neighbourhood. Cohen said the central community space will provide a focal point for residents to host birthday parties, hang out by the pool or let kids run off steam in the playground. Cohen said he is also investing over $2 million in landscaping throughout the project to make sure residents aren’t surrounded by what he calls “oceans of asphalt.” Every unit in the townhouse project will have three bedrooms, a backyard, a garage and an unfinished basement. Prices range from $339,900 to 380,000, tax included. The first townhouse block, with six model units, is now under construction and will be open this fall.