“This is our toughest battle. Please, please help us win,” Rico Blanco said as he opened up about his brother’s health condition.
In an emotional social media post on Thursday evening, Rico shared that he and his family had received terrible news a few weeks ago. The singer revealed that his brother had been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, a type of sinus cancer.
“A few weeks ago we received the terrible news that he has cancer. The signs all came too rapidly and seemingly out of nowhere, and by the time we got the full diagnosis, we were told he already has an advanced and very aggressive type of squamous cell carcinoma (sinus),” he captioned his post.
According to the United States National Cancer Institute, squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of paranasal sinus and nasal cavity cancer. It forms in the thin, flat cells lining the inside of the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity.
The institute noted the possibility of showing no signs or symptoms of this type in its early stages. Signs and symptoms may appear, however, as the tumor grows. Some symptoms include: headaches, pain behind the nose and in the upper teeth, persistent lump or soreness inside the nose, frequent nosebleeds, and a decreased sense of smell.
The singer-songwriter said that his brother began treatment the day before and asked for prayers from his friends and followers.
“His treatment started yesterday, and we are praying all our efforts are not too late. We've also decided to share so we can humbly ask for your help - please pray for King’s strength and healing,” he added.
“Only heaven really knows what's best for my dear brother but we are keeping our hopes up. I cannot bear to imagine a world without him in it,” he continued.
Rico shared past photos of him and his brother, reminiscing how they did everything together growing up. Only a year apart, the two bonded like they were best friends, sharing numerous adventures and fighting several battles alongside each other.
“I love him so very dearly,” Rico expressed.
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Meanwhile, several fans, celebrities, and other personalities flooded the comments section, offering their prayers and support for the singer.
Rico Blanco is known for his OPM hits like “Your Universe” and “You’ll Be Safe Here.” His musical reach expanded through various projects, like the upcoming jukebox musical, “Liwanag sa Dilim.”
