Olympian Lariba in need of help

Table tennis player Ian Lariba. INQUIRER PHOTO/RAFFY LERMA

Rio de Janeiro Olympian Ian Lariba will undergo treatment this week after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.

According to a statement released by the De La Salle University Office of Sports Development, Lariba’s ailment was announced after calls for blood donation flooded social media the past few days.

A dominant figure in UAAP table tennis, Lariba wrapped up her collegiate career undefeated and was named one of four co-winners of the UAAP Season 78 Athlete of the Year.

The 22-year-old paddler also captured Season 77 Athlete of the Year honors and won the UAAP MVP plum thrice in a five-year stint when the BS Management of Financial Institutions graduate became women’s singles champion annually starting 2012.

Lariba also earned the distinction as the first Filipino table tennis player to don the national colors in the Olympics after winning in the Asian Olympic Games Qualification Tournament last year in Hong Kong.

Financial assistance can be sent through Mrs. Imelda N. Lariba by making deposits to the following savings accounts: BDO 870-007-459 and UCPB 104120046272.

Type O positive blood donors will also be received by the St. Luke’s Medical Center Quezon City blood bank.