RIYADH, 9 December 2004 — While most OFWs are busy collecting relief goods and other donations for the flood victims of the four typhoons that hit the island of Luzon the past week, some are doing prayer vigils and donating blood for Alfred Ganapin, a community leader and a veterinarian by profession, who is battling a bout with cancer.
Ganapin had been at the King Faisal Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in Riyadh since Wednesday.
Mike Bolos, a colleague of Ganapin’s at eLagda, the International Coalition on Filipino Voting Rights (ICOFVR), the Pusong Mamon Task Force (PMTF), and other advocacy groups, was one of the very first blood donors.
Ganapin is in “dire need of blood donation,” according to Vic Barrazona, another community leader, who is campaigning for support among compatriots.
“For the information of those who do not know Alfred, he is an indefatigable migrant advocate, a consistent critic of government policies affecting OFWs and their families’ welfare,” Barrazona introduced Ganapin to possible donors.
According to him, the blood is needed because Ganapin, who is confined at MS ICU 14 of King Faisal Hospital, who had undergone operation for a biopsy of the lungs, and confirmed to be in the recovery state now and in “stable condition” according to another colleague Rashid Fabricante of PMTF. “I consider him as a long distance-runner in terms of migrant advocacies. Unfortunately, he is side-tracked by his current sickness,” Barrazona added.
According to Fabricante, a special composite medical team is closely monitoring and evaluating the condition of Ganapin.
He likewise suggested and devised a mechanism for blood donors during their visit to the hospital for blood donation.
“We encourage the buddy system (by pairs), approach any security personnel for the exact location of the hospital’s blood bank, which is open from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.,” Fabricante advised.
He said potential donors should inform the duty medical personnel at the blood bank that the blood donation is intended for patient Alfredo Ganapin.
“We advise donors that in case of any problem encountered, call the duty nurse at ICU MS 14 by dialing 442-3050 and look for Alina, Delia, Penny, Fe or Gladys,” he added.
For those who may wish to visit the patient, visiting time is from 8 a.m. to 12 noon, and from 4 to 8 p.m. Everyone is reminded to follow the “buddy system.”
For more information, Fabricante can be reached at 05098-23303 or Dr. Jess Naldo at 05073-35119.
So far, those who have committed to donate blood were community leaders Manny Amora, Francis Oca, and members of the Black Python martial arts group headed by James Brigoli and Faisal Mercurio.
Perla Vega of MOTHER Movement posted her appeal on the Internet to all the movement’s members in Riyadh to mobilize a bloodletting donation for Ganapin.
Anamie, the wife of Ganapin, arrived last night from Manila to be with her ailing husband.
Arab News learned that Ambassador Bahnarim Guinomla and other Philippine Embassy staff, showing their appreciation for Ganapin’s active and constructive role as a community leader, have helped make Mrs. Ganapin’s trip as smooth as possible.
