MANILA, Philippines — Former Asian sprint queen Lydia de Vega-Mercado has run and won so many races in the past.
But she’s running a different race now and facing her biggest and strongest foe – cancer.
Stephanie de Koenigswarter, daughter of De Vega-Mercado, yesterday posted on her Instagram account that her mother is in critical condition, having been quietly and bravely fighting breast cancer for four years now.
“My dearest mother is in very critical condition due to complications caused by her stage four breast cancer,” said De Keonigswarter.
“As the disease is progressing, her condition is worsening despite undergoing many procedures including brain surgery.”
De Keonigswarter said they would need all the help they can get, may it be prayers or monetary help.
“I’m requesting everyone to please pray for her in this desperate time of need. If anyone would like to assist her financially to cover her medical expenses, any donation would be deeply and wholeheartedly appreciated,” she said.
One of the firsts to answer the call was the Philippine Sports Commission.
“I’ve been talking to Paneng since Monday,” said PSC executive director and officer-in-charge Atty. Guillermo Iroy, Jr. referring to De Keonigswarter, a former La Salle volleyball standout.
Iroy said he was instructed by no less than President Marcos himself to provide whatever help needed during a recent courtesy call at the Palace with the Filipinas, the newly crowned Asean football champs.