Pacquiao grants cancer-stricken fan’s wish

Manny Pacquiao. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao took time out from his hectic training schedule to visit an American teenager who is undergoing treatment for a brain tumor.

Eight division world champion Pacquiao spent 15 minutes with 18-year-old John Rocero and his parents on Thursday at the MGM Grand Garden arena.

The meeting was arranged through the American Make-A-Wish Foundation, which Pacquiao is more than willing to assist.

Pacquiao prayed with the family, including Rocero’s father, Roy, who was born in the Philippines. The family is from Stockton, California, about 800 kilometers northwest of Las Vegas.

John, who will attend Saturday’s welterweight fight between Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez, presented the boxer a Pacquiao portrait painted by his sister.

John is undergoing chemotherapy and radiation after being diagnosed last year with the tumor.

Pacquiao has visited several young people through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.