Out-of-work father of 3 needs to undergo dialysis thrice weekly

Ernesto Habal Hagad

MANILA, Philippines — As the sole breadwinner in the family, 49-year-old Ernesto Habal Hagad was busy trying to earn a living when he was struck by appendicitis in 2013. After undergoing an operation, doctors found out he also had chronic kidney disease.

“We didn’t think it was serious. But when we learned of his condition, we were shocked. Every day he complained of exhaustion and numbness in his legs but we just ignored them and went on with our lives,’’ said his wife, Heidi.

In January this year, Hagad had just come home from work, complaining of dizziness and exhaustion when he collapsed. He was confined for several days at a hospital in Muntinlupa City where doctors found his lungs full of water.

“We were so saddened but remained hopeful that his situation would improve,’’ Heidi said.

When Luzon was placed on lockdown in March, Hagad risked driving a motorcycle to Muntinlupa City for his thrice-a-week dialysis sessions, even though it was an hour away from San Pedro, Laguna, where he lived with his wife and their three young children.

The family pays P4,075 per dialysis session, an amount that has taken a heavy toll on their finances since Hagad has lost his job as a printer operator at a photo developing company in Muntinlupa City.

Heidi can be reached at 0918-2085485. Those who want to help her husband may deposit any amount in his BPI account (Ernesto Habal Hagad, account no. 5346-3108-49).

—Senen Bravo