Barangay Ginebra San Miguel guard LA Tenorio faced the toughest challenge of his life last year when he was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer.
Many were shocked and left in disbelief when Tenorio made his condition public in March 2023 a month after learning about his condition.
All were unable to fathom how and why the Philippine Basketball Association’s “Iron Man” who owns the league record for longest consecutive games played would contract a life-threatening illness.
But the beloved Gin Kings captain clung to his faith and fought the battle with the Big C head-on, going through surgery and treatment that even had him flying to Singapore to receive the best medical assistance.
Just like the mantra of his team, through prayers and support from his family, teammates, friends and the legion of fans, the 39-year-old guard was declared cancer-free by September last year.
Ten months after getting diagnosed with cancer, Tenorio returned to action for his 18th season in the PBA.
However, his hardwood comeback is beyond sport.
It’s not just about competing, winning championships or setting new records.
“For me, it’s more than basketball now,” Tenorio told Daily Tribune.
What he does now inside and outside the court has a bigger purpose.
“Definitely, there’s a big change in my perspective in life. Right now, I want to inspire a lot of people,” Tenorio, who set a record of 744 consecutive games played he collected in 17 years, said.
Tenorio’s first step towards his return to playing came when he was tapped by Ginebra head coach Tim Cone as his deputy for Gilas Pilipinas in the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games.
There he served not just as assistant to the multi-titled tactician but was also an inspiration for the team that eventually went on to end a 60-year gold medal drought.
Then came his much-awaited comeback wearing the Gin Kings uniform on 3 December.
Checking on for 26 minutes, the four-time Finals Most Valuable Player delivered six points, three assists, one rebound and one steal in helping the Ginebra overcome Terrafirma, 110-99, in the Commissioner’s Cup.
He called his first game back as his restart, his resurrection.
Tenorio is now dedicated to being a beacon of hope, proof that cancer can be beaten.
