Ex-security guard appeals for help

MANILA, Philippines — Reniel Barcelona, a former security guard, was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in July last year after a week of experiencing bloating and severe constipation.

Doctors found a rectal mass after subjecting the 58-year-old resident of Rosario, Batangas province, to a series of tests at the Mary Mediatrix Medical Center in Lipa City.

After the growth was removed by surgery, Barcelona underwent four chemotherapy sessions until November last year.

But in January, a cranial CT scan showed another mass in his brain, a sign that the cancer had metastasized.

Barcelona needs to undergo open brain surgery to remove the mass.

The operation, however, will cost P500,000, an amount he and his wife cannot raise.

Barcelona’s daughter, Hannah Marie Barcelona, can be contacted at 0955-5732333. Donations can be coursed through her BDO account (00-683-009-6641) or through the BDO account of his sister, Harriet Barcelona (00-544-018-55860).