The 22-year-old represented her country at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and had the honour of carrying the Filipino flag at the Opening Ceremony.

She was selected for this year's ITTF World Championships but was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia four days before she was due to leave for the tournament in German city Dusseldorf in May. 

There is no confirmed cure for the condition, but there are treatments that can lessen the impact of the cancer.

Lariba has already completed three cycles of chemotherapy and three bone marrow aspirates and biopsies.

She now has to undergo a total body irradiation and a bone marrow transplant which will cost $60,000 (£45,000/€51,000).

The ITTF's Dream Building Foundation has put $20,000 (£15,000/€17,000) towards the cause.

"When I heard that Ian Lariba needed money to pay for her fight against leukemia, it was clear that the ITTF had to support her as she is an inspiration to all," said ITTF President Thomas Weikert. 

"I was so proud seeing Lariba carry out The Philippines flag at Rio 2016, it was a moment not just for Lariba, but also for our sport as well.

"The newly created ITTF Dream Building Foundation has donated $20,000 to the cause and we are asking the whole table tennis family to get behind our hero."

You can donate to Lariba's cause by clicking here.