Dr. Ong remains in high spirits despite cancer diagnosis

KNOWN for his health system reforms advocacy, Dr. Willie Ong vowed to help the Filipino people "until his last breath” as he revealed his current battle with abdominal cancer.

A cardiologist and one of the top social media health influencers, Ong disclosed on September 14 that he was diagnosed with sarcoma cancer.

"Itong bukol na ito, isa sa pinakamalaking nakita nila" Ong said.

According to John Hopkins Medicine, sarcoma is a rare cancer that develops in the bones and soft tissues, including fat, muscles, blood vessels, nerves, deep skin tissues and fibrous tissues.

Ong revealed that his doctor found a 16x13x12 centimeter sarcoma in his abdomen and was hidden behind his heart and in front of his spine.

Prior to knowing his diagnosis, Ong said he started to observe fluctuations in his health in April 2023, and then in August this year, he underwent laboratories after experiencing unbearable back pain.

Dubbed as "Doctor of the People" for giving medical advice to the public through social media and for spearheading medical missions, One said that even with his health predicament, he still considers himself as "very very lucky" because he has good medical care and loving relatives with him.

The 60-year old health professional encouraged all vloggers and media to use his videos to spread awareness to the people, especially that millions of Filipinos “can never avail” the treatment he is receiving as a cancer patient.

"To all vloggers, media and friends, I will allow everyone to use my “cancer videos” as they wish. This will bring more awareness. I wish to help all Filipinos with cancer and other serious illnesses," he said.

"If God will grant me a miraculous healing for my huge 16 cm sarcoma, I will spend the rest of my remaining days fighting and lobbying for our poor countrymen,” he added.(LAO)

• Tags
• #Dr. Willie Ong
• #Cancer
• #Social Media Health Influencer
• #Cardiologist
• #Sarcoma Cancer
• #Vlogger