Veteran guard LA Tenorio of Barangay Ginebra revealed in a statement posted on the PBA website on Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer.
“I was recently diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer. The initial testing three weeks ago led me to instantly miss practices and games. I have completed my surgery last week and will soon undergo treatment for the next few months,” he said.
The 38-year-old court general made it plain that he is not yet putting up his basketball shoes because he is confident that Singaporean and Filipino medical professionals can speed up his recovery.
“I have given not only 17 full years to the PBA, but have dedicated my whole life to basketball. I have committed my body and health for the love of the game. It has been my passion and love. Sadly, there are things beyond one’s control,” he said.
“I am not yet retiring from the game I love, and with the help of the best doctors in the Philippines and Singapore, I believe I can touch a basketball once more and return stronger,” he added.
After playing in 744 straight games, Tenorio just missed his first game, breaking the record for the longest active PBA player match streak. He claimed he had a groin injury at the time.
He apologized for not disclosing his actual health status to the public.
“As most of you are aware I have been nursing a minor injury since the Finals last January. I used that as the reason for my sudden absence. My sincerest apologies to all,” he said.
Tenorio is confident that he will emerge stronger after enduring the most challenging period of his life.
“But with my faith, I am lifting everything to God now and I believe there is a higher purpose as I go through this part of my life,” he added.
