City Council to hold ‘Run for Jack’

The Cebu City Council will sponsor a fund-raising activity for former Cebu City councilor Sylvan “Jack” Jakosalem who is back in the hospital after suffering seizures.
Councilor Richard Osmeña sponsored the  resolution calling for the  “Run for Jack” to be organized by the Cebu City Sports Commission on August 25 at the South Roads Properties.
Proceeds will be  given to the family of  Jakosalem,  chairman of the Cebu Integrated Traffic Operations Management (Citom), to help meet his medical expenses.
Jakosalem’s rare ailment, a parasite infection in his brain, required delicate surgery and long periods in the hospital that have taxed the financial resources of his family.
Jakosalem was again confined in a hospital last July 26 after he suffered  seizures and penumonia.
His wife Catalina Sharon Yap-Jakosalem in a phone interview told Cebu Daily News said she appreciates the effort of the City Council.
If Jack had not fallen ill, she said, “he would be one of the councilors doing good things for the city.”
Jakosalem ran for city councilor under Team Rama but never showed up to campaign because of his medical condition that left him confined at home.
He lost the election.
His condition,  neurocysticercosis,  is    caused by  ingestion of   tapeworm  eggs usually found in  undercooked pork.
He suffered a relapse of the condition shortly after filing his certificate of candidacy on Oct. 5 last year.
Sharon said that she would  tell Jack about the initiative so he would know how  Cebuanos love him.
While admitting she was shy about  receiving donations, she said she can’t help but accept,  since it’s the people’s way of expressing their concern for  Jack and his family.
The couple have two grade school sons.
Conscious
Sharon clarified that her husband has been conscious all throughout his ordeal.
“My husband was never  comatose .  He is slowly recovering and getting better everyday,” Sharon said.
She said that Jack can talk and walk, but slowly, as well as respond to people talking to him.
“When I told him, ‘I love you,’ he also responds, ‘I love you too,’” Sharon said.
Registration for the Run for Jack will be P100 – 150 per participant.
Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, who just arrived from Japan, told reporters he would pay Jack a visit this week.
Rama said he would join the fun run.
He asked all members of the City Council to  join the event to make it more meaningful.