Last Wednesday, devastating news came out in Intramuros as fourth-year Letran Knight swingman Jerrick Balanza was diagnosed with a brain tumor that will keep him out for the rest of the NCAA Season 94 Seniors Basketball Tournament.
After seeing the overwhelming support he received from not just the Letranites but also the entire sporting community, Balanza, who turned 22 today, penned a heartfelt message of gratitude and inspiration.
“It is with a heavy heart that I share with you this news: Recently, I have been diagnosed with a brain tumor and will have to undergo surgery as soon as possible,” he opened. “This doubly saddens me because I will no longer be able to continue playing for the Knights, this NCAA Season 94.
“I am very thankful for the support of my school – the Dominican priests, the lay officials, and the people who have showed love and care, including those on social media. It motivates me to keep faith, to be brave, to overcome this current challenge in my life,” he expressed.
“I am filled with the Arriba Spirit: raising my prayers to God, asking Him to raise my body and soul in healing, and lifting the morale of our Letran community. As our coaches always say: Never give up! Never give in!”
The tumor is found to be in his temporal lobe – one of the four major lobes of the cerebral cortex. If his operation is a success, Balanza can fully recover in two months time.
Currently, there are a plenty of pledges to fund Balanza’s medical bill, with Letran’s alumnus and the NCAA throwing in their support as well.
Now, all Balanza is asking for are prayers to uplift him in this ordeal.
“I am grateful for those who are helping me, spiritually, financially, morally. My only request is for everyone – especially my fellow Letranites – to pray for me, to pray with me, for my healing and recovery and return to active play.
“I am very happy, despite the challenges, especially to have my Alma Mater, Letran, the school whose name I have carried since high school, backing me up, encouraging me to get well, to have a speedy recovery. I will always remember this moment,” he shared.
“Salamat po, mahal kong Letran! Sobrang sarap maging Letranista! Siempre Arriba!”
