The Philippine track and field legend Lydia de Vega, ‘Asia’s fastest woman in the 80’s, has returned to our Creator at the age of 57.
This piece of very heartbeaking news was announced by De Vega’s daughter, Stephanie Mercado de Koenigswarter, through a Facebook post on the evening of August 10.
“On behalf of our family, it is with absolute grief that I announce the death of my mother, Lydia De Vega, this evening, August 10, 2022, at the Makati Medical Center.
“She fought the very good fight and is now at peace.
“Wake details will be announced very soon but for now, I would wholeheartedly appreciate your prayers for the soul of my mother.
“Maraming salamat po!”
Lydia’s daughter had earlier shared on her FB wall a video of a mass being held at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Project 8 for the healing of her mother; hours before her announcement of her mother’s passing.
It was on July 20, 2022 when Stephanie disclosed to the public that her mother was in critical condition due to complications of the latter’s Stage 4 breast cancer.
She said in her post, “My dearest mother, Lydia de Vega, is in very critical condition due to complications caused by her Stage 4 Breast Cancer condition. 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.”
She then requested everyone “to please pray for her in this desperate time of need.”
Stephanie also asked for financial assistance to help cover her mother’s medical expenses and whole-heartedly thanked everyone in advance.
In another post, she expessed gratefulness for the outpour of support and donations sent their way.
“The overwhelming support we have receiving for my mom so far has been unbelievable. Thank you so much to each and everyone of you for your prayers and donations,” she said with utmost gratitude.
Even Pinoy Olympian and pole vault World No. EJ Obiena and his team contributed to Lydia’s medical expenses.
He shared in a post right after the World Championships, “On the flight back to Italy, it occurred to me that despite my own training needs, Mam Lydia needs this money more than I do. So, I am hereby pledging to gift these 250,000 pesos once paid, directly to the family of Lydia De Vega for her medical expenses.”
Read: EJ Obiena ibibigay kay Lydia de Vega ang incentive na kanyang matatanggap mula sa PSC
“In total, Team Obiena will pledge 500,000 pesos to Mam Lydia and her family. We hope this makes a difference and gives Mam Lydia added strength to battle this horrible disease. God bless you and give you strength Mam Lydia,” he added.
Let Your Will Be Done
Eleven days after her mom’s tracheotomy and paracentesis, Lydia bade her last farewell. It was the Lord’s will to free her from pain and suffering.
The legendary Lydia De Vega was a native of Meycauayan City, Bulacan. She earned the tagline as Asia’s fastest woman in the 1980s.
Thank you for the honor you have given to the Filipinos. Rest in peace, Lodi. Salute!