Lourdes "Lulu" R. Mercado, a Filipina who moved to America to be with her love, started a family, bearing four children, but life had some challenges in store. The recession, three cancers she fought with all her might, and a near-death experience, a perilous sight, but Lulu was determined to keep on living, to fulfill her purpose, and keep on giving. Her resilience and strength were a sight to behold, a true inspiration, as her story was told. She refused to let her illness define her fate and lived every day, refusing to wait.

Lulu believed she had much more to give and that her purpose in life was yet to live; her unwavering spirit and positive vibe inspired all around her to thrive. Her story reminds us to never give in, to keep pushing forward, through thick and thin. Lulu's journey is a testament to all: live life to the fullest, and if you fall, you can always rise.