HELP NEEDED Edilberto Lumanas in June 2018 while undergoing hemodialysis at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
When Edilberto Lumanas was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease stage 5 in June last year, he accepted and embraced it with sadness.
“He got lonely and oftentimes questioned his own existence. He even asked himself what had he done to deserve it,” his wife, 58-year-old Rowena, told the Inquirer.
Lumanas, 65, has had his share of the good life and the chance to raise his growing family on his earnings when he worked abroad as a messman in the kitchen of an international ship.
“Genetic and his own lifestyle must have contributed to it. When I tell him not to eat something bad for his health, he would not listen,” Rowena said.
Now, their two daughters are married and their husbands, Rowena said, could barely afford to support Edilberto’s medical needs and expenses.
Initial refusal
Rowena added that her husband had refused to see a doctor during the initial stages of his sickness and that he relented only when his breathing was supposed to have stopped.
“May your readers be instrumental in extending his life. He still wants to enjoy life. We are appealing to their kindness and assistance. May God keep on blessing them all,” she said.
Edilberto is undergoing hemodialysis three times a week at Medline Dialysis Center/Kidney Health Care near Parang, Marikina City, where his family lives. The procedure costs P3,300 per session.
Rowena can be reached at 0995-8090010 and 0947-2675053. Those who want to help Edilberto may make deposits to his bank account with Security Bank (23132857).