Ailing ‘mistah’ seeks assistance in fun run

FOOTRUNNERS race against time in helping an ailing Philippine Military Academy Alumni in an upcoming run for a cause which also aims to help preserve the environment.

Led by members of the PMA Mandarangan Class of 2003, the group is drumming up support to gather as many runners to join the Jan. 20 fun run for a cause dubbed ‘Takbo Sagipin ang Kalikasan’.

Part of the proceeds of the fun run will also help augment the needs of an ailing mistah, Navy officer Lt. Frederick Tapawa who is combating s tonsillar cancer diagnosed in 2010 when he was undergoing a tonsillectomy.

The 31-year-old official who hails from Puerto Princesa in Palawan has already undergone three chemotherapy but despite receiving so many treatments has worsened his condition.
“Ayaw ko na po sana mag third chemo kasi they insisted na kelangan raw po para ma-evaluate nila kung successful ang treatment at dahil wala akong enough nap era to find another hospital at wala akong health insurance napilitan ulit ako mag take ng third chemo,” Tapawan said in his open letter to his mistah.

Undaunted by uncertainties after doctors told him that he might never regain use of his esophagus which was damaged by radiation, Tapawan conducted his own research on how to overcome his cancer.

Tapawan was able to narrow his research to a treatment called adult mesenchymal stem cell infusion to repair his esophagus which would costs about US $25,000 or around P1.065 million.

The run for a cause will have the 3,5,10 and the half marathon 21-kilometer race distances that starts at the Lake Drive in Burnham Park.

Registration for the run is now ongoing at the Laperal Bldg., Duyan Restaurant, and Outdoor Kinetics with entry fees at P250 (3k), P300 (5k), P350 (10k) and P600 (21k), respectively.

Singlets and race kits will also be given away for all the registrants in all the running distances, while the finishers in the 21-kilometer will be entitled to Mandarangan Run 21k Commemorative Dri-Fit finishers shirt.

For more information, interested runners may contact the Che Alberto, race director at (0917)-745-0378, Mike Cruz at (0906)-228-8513, Jebs Jebulan at (0908)882-7073 and Rey Ma-ao at (0922)-842-2003.

Proceeds of the run will also fund some 100 coffee seedlings to be planted inside the premiere military school as part of its advocacy to promote a lush environment.

Another chunk of the proceeds will be donated to the PMA cadets in the form of sports equipment as their show of gratitude to the academy for training them in becoming military officers. (Roderick Osis)