Rob Ford’s family is trying to make him as comfortable as possible as he continues to battle cancer in palliative care at Mount Sinai Hospital, his office has confirmed.

“Family members have been with him around the clock,” Ford’s brother and former city councillor Doug told the Star. “I have been at the hospital for the last five days and nights by his side.

“Rob is a fighter and continues to fight. We are so grateful for all the support for him from all over the world it is incredible!! We want to thank the Doc’s and Staff at the hospital they all have been amazing.”

The former mayor’s condition hasn’t changed since Thursday, when his office put out a statement. Palliative care is typically defined as health care for those facing life-threatening illness.

A statement from the Ford family on Monday clarified, noting, “Palliative care is often administered in conjunction with other treatments, and he has in fact been receiving it almost since first becoming diagnosed, both at home and the hospital. This is quite typical for those who are diagnosed with serious illnesses and injuries. The purpose of palliative care is to deal with symptomatic issues, such as pain and discomfort, and physical and mental stress, and to allow the patient to be as comfortable as possible.”

By Monday afternoon, more than 6,400 messages of sympathy have been posted to a site set up by his family, GetWellRobFord.com.

“Dear Rob: I’ve always admired your ‘authenticity’ & your down-to-earth humanity,” wrote one user, C. Lee. “I’m sure it’s not easy as your traverse this difficult passage but try to stay strong & positive.”

Public support for Rob Ford

Ford, who dropped his mayoral reelection campaign in 2014 due to illness and was diagnosed with pleomorphic liposarcoma, was readmitted to hospital last fall after doctors found tumours on his bladder.

With files from David Rider