Loren cites Cory's resolve, inner strength

Senator Loren Legarda yesterday expressed unity with the entire Filipino nation in praying for the full and swift recovery of former President Corazon Aquino from colon cancer.

"My prayers and support go to former President Aquino, a freedom fighter with a mother's heart who had guided our nation during some of its most turbulent times," said Legarda.

"With her inner strength coming from the Almighty, I have no doubt that she will too will emerge triumphant from this battle. Now, more than ever, she and the loving members of her family, including my colleague Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino, must draw strength from one another and persevere.

Legarda said that her own mother, the late Bessie Legarda, had bravely fought a drawn-out battle against the Big C.

"Breast cancer took my mother's life, but it cannot claim victory over her. Through her steely resolve and determination, my mom Bessie taught us life's most important lesson - that no matter how heavy our crosses are, that we must bear them."

To help fight breast cancer, a leading killer of women worldwide, Senator Legarda founded the Bessie Legarda Memorial Foundation to conduct cancer-awareness and other cancer-mitigation activities.

Medical experts say that most forms of cancer can be treated if diagnosed during their early stages.