By Alec Go
Former Asia’s fastest woman Lydia de Vega is in “very critical condition” due to complications caused by Stage 4 breast cancer diagnosed back in 2018, her daughter Stephanie Mercado shared in social media on Wednesday, July 20.
The family of the two-time Olympian is also asking for prayers for the track and field icon, and is also open to financial assistance for her medical expenses.
“She was diagnosed with this in 2018 and has been silently fighting the disease for the past 4 years. As the disease is progressing, her condition is quickly worsening despite undergoing many procedures including brain surgery,” Mercado said.
“I am requesting everyone to please pray for her in this desperate time of need. If anyone would like to assist financially to cover her medical expenses, any donation would be deeply and whole-heartedly appreciated,” she added.
De Vega, a bemedalled Southeast Asian Games athlete, represented the Philippines in the Seoul 1988 Olympics for the 100-meter event and in 1984 Los Angeles games for both 100-meter and 200-meter athletics events.
The 57-year-old retired athlete also secured championships in Asian Athletics in the 80s. – gb
