Fellow sports legends express support for Lydia de Vega as she battles breast cancer

Filipino sports legends are rallying for Lydia de Vega as she battles stage 4 breast cancer.

In Chino Trinidad's report on "24 Oras," fellow trackster Elma Muros-Posadas became emotional speaking about Asia's Sprint Queen.

"Pag marapatin ng Panginoong Diyos at mabigyan ng pagkakataon, ito na 'yung reward natin kay 'Day, ang panalangin natin, hindi lang ang buong Pilipino, buong Southeast Asia, Asian Games," she said, sobbing.

("If God wills it and we get the chance, this is our reward to 'Day, our prayers, not just Filipinos but the whole of Southeast Asia, Asian Games.")

Chess Grandmaster Eugene Torre said it is important to support Lydia's positive attitude even as she fights for her life.

"Ang dami nang close calls, she's still with us, as in lumalaban siya eh, talagang ayaw niya mag-give up," said Lydia's daughter, former volleyball player Stephanie Mercado.

Lydia has been battling breast cancer since 2018, but she chose to keep it quiet and even participated in the opening ceremonies of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games along with her fellow legends.

According to bowling legend Paeng Nepomuceno, he had noticed something about Lydia back then.

"Nakipagpalit siya sa akin, so from 1 pumunta ako sa number 8 position, walo kaming mga legends eh. Hindi ko alam, dahil dun pala, sinasabi niya may impingement syndrome di niya maangat 'yung kamay niya," he said.

("She exchanged with me, so from 1 I went to the number 8 position, there were eight of us legends." I didn't know it was because of it, she said she had a impingement syndrome and could not raise her arm.")

Lydia has been in the Intensive Care Unit for nearly two weeks now, as her health reached critical condition.

Her family has called for financial assistance and Stephanie said she needs type B+ blood and platelet donations.

"Her heart is too strong, it's still beating strong, but she's unconscious, so only time will tell," said the director of Project Gintong Alay, Michael Keon.

Lydia is scheduled to go under surgery next week.

—MGP, GMA News