Five days ago, I can vividly recall how my friend and co-worker, Anthony met a very tragic accident that led him lying helplessly at the Intensive Care Unit of St. Paul's Hospital in Iloilo City. On that fateful Sunday evening, while I was lulling myself to sleep in exhaustion, I received a call from my brother telling me that Anthony met a vehicular accident and was brought to the emergency room of the Provincial Hospital. After hearing the news, my heart skipped fast and my knees started trembling. I was praying to spare him from any danger so, I hurriedly called up 'Nang Heide (our co-worker and Thon's landlady) and told her what happened. With the rest of my friends whom I texted, we finally agreed to meet up at the hospital. I was the last person to arrive. I wasn't able to see him because he was already inside the ICU. We just stared on the walls hoping for a miracle to happen. We're all out of cash. I had withdrawn some of my savings just as others did but still, it wasn't enough to provide all the medicines prescribed by his doctor. Mrs. Fernandez (our principal) luckily showed up after Tess texted her and that made us feel a lot better. A few minutes later, Anthony's sister from Altavas arrived. The doctor informed us that he needs to be transported to Iloilo for CT scan the soonest possible time. Everybody agreed. Deafening silence echoed through all the corners. Nobody uttered a word. I cried because I feel so helpless. I wanted to help but I am not financially able. We all share the same burden.
On the next day,
he was brought to Iloilo. The whole faculty and staff and the two cooperatives
of which he was a member of extended financial assistance and we were able to
raise 72, 000. for that day. God really provides for those who are needy. Last
July 9, He underwent a brain operation due to internal brain hemorrhage and
that alone would cost him 250,000.00 for professional fee only excluding
medicines and other medical needs. Being the breadwinner of the family and the eldest among the three siblings, with a deceased mother and a sick father from Talon, Altavas, Aklan, this amount is really a burden.
We, his friends
and co-workers are trying our best to make ends meet and out of desperation,
came up with a fund drive to sustain his needs for medical assistance. (Thanks to Sir Dennis and Sir Alex for this scheme)
I am fervently appealing to his former pupils, friends, colleagues, fellow scouters, classmates/batchmates, relatives and friends to extend prayers for his safety recovery and share your blessing by donating any amount to BPI Savings Account No. 1469 0354 21, Kalibo Sto. Niño Branch, Kalibo, Aklan or you may drop a call at (036)2684775 KALIBO PILOT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.
Being one of his friends, I can vouch for his goodness as a person. He is not only my friend but a brother in every sense of the word. We've been through a lot of times together especially in scouting and that made our friendship stronger. He's a good leader, an active scout master, a great adviser, a cheerful friend, a caring son and a loving kuya to his two younger sisters.
Yes, we can never prognosticate the coming of death in our lives but please Lord, Save Nong Anthony from any harm. Please give him another chance to live and proclaim your glory. Grant your merciful aid to heal his injuries and restore his health.
