VIdeo: Rob Ford returns to public spotlight

TORONTO — Toronto Mayor Rob Ford received a boisterous welcome from his supporters Saturday night as he jumped back into the public spotlight for the first time since being hospitalized for cancer.

They chanted "Rob, Rob’’ as he took the stage of an annual barbeque that the Ford family puts on every year.

Ford told his supporters that he loves them and is in a fighting mood, vowing he’ll beat the cancer he has been diagnosed with.

Ford bowed out of the mayor’s race this month, but is instead seeking a seat on council.

On Friday night he did some door knocking to boost his election effort.

Ford’s brother, Doug, has now jumped into the mayor’s race to replace his brother.

Doctors detected a tumour in Ford’s abdomen and he is now undergoing treatment for a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

Ford became an international celebrity last year after months of scandal, including admitting to using crack cocaine and being in a ``drunken stupor.’’

He has repeatedly said he’s not a drug addict, but entered rehab for substance-abuse problems earlier this year.