Lariba standing her ground in bout with leukemia

MANILA, Philippines – After being diagnosed with leukemia last May, Olympian Yan Lariba is slowly fighting her way back to form. And so far, she is winning on a different battleground.

“Hawak lang (holding it),” said Lariba, referring to a table tennis paddle when asked if she has resumed playing the game. “I was told to keep steady for now because I’m okay with light exercises, but not more because my red blood cells are still coping.”

To date, Lariba said she is doing well after undergoing a bone marrow transplant for almost two months now.

“I would like to thank the Lord because I’m already out of the hospital after the transplant. Everything went fine, according to schedule and time table,” said Lariba. “Basically, I’m feeling much better compared to before I was diagnosed.”

And Lariba was thankful for the outpouring of support.

Since she learned the bad news, the world, the country and local officials have banded together to help aid Lariba.

Monetary help, not just moral support, came.

The International Table Tennis Federation, the Philippine Sports Commission through the intercession of chairman William “Butch” Ramirez, the Philippine Table Tennis Federation, Inc. teammates, fellow athletes and countrymen have either extended a hand or sent well-wishes.

“I want to thank all, my table tennis community, fellow players around the Philippines and the world for all the support. I’m just thankful because I was given a second chance in life,” said Lariba.