The joy of giving ‘Lorenzo's time’

GIVE Lorenzo’s time.

This was the call of three inspiring men who were given standing ovations during the 2012 Philippine Red Cross Cagayan de Oro-Misamis Oriental Blood Services Awarding Ceremony, which ended Tuesday at Pearlmont Hotel.

Major Geronimo Dimayuga, Jerome B. Felix and Dr. Myra Yee all have one thing in common – they are ready to help others.

Major Dimayuga of the Police Regional Office (PRO) Northern Mindanao had a real-life drama after he figured in a motorcycle accident two years ago.

The Tagalong-speaking Dimayuga suffered from broken legs. Right after the accident, he was rescued only after two hours and was losing so much blood.

He says the doctor recommended him for immediate major operation in Manila.

“I kept nodding in approval whenever the doctors express their opinion not knowing that I felt the pain even as the doctor asked me if I’m ready for the operation,” he said.

Then the doctor asked: “Meron ka na bang dugo?”

That question struck him.

“Sa kadami-daming tao sa Manila, kunti lang ang dugo doon,” he says. “Parang walang nagbibigay ng Lorenzo’s time.”

Fortunately, Red Cross Cagayan de Oro sent six packs of blood for the operation.

“Mas maraming dugo dito sa Red Cross Cagayan de Oro. Daming nagbibigay ng Lorenzo’s blood,” he said. “Parang kapamilya ko na rin ang Red Cross dito.”

Major Dimayuga was awarded as Red Cross’ one of the blood galloners this year.

Meanwhile, Felix was declared as the first gold medalist in Northern Mindanao Region.

The 55-year-old Felix recorded more than 75 bags of blood, according to Red Cross Cagayan de Oro.

Felix recalls that he had a peaceful and happy marriage to his wife Erenita.

But in 1999, her wife was diagnosed to have cancer in 1999. Jerome believed it was a test from God.

“I was thinking why my wife was struck with cancer when I am very active in helping others, including doing socio-civic activities,” he says.

But instead of blaming God, he decided to give blood as a sign of giving himself up to the Almighty.

After undergoing radiation therapy, his wife has survived cancer.

Jerome calls the miracle as “faith.”

Dazzling with shiny yellow fashion, Dr. Yee was well applauded in the awarding ceremony as guests gave her a standing ovation, calling her as the “all-day hero.”

Dr. Yee manages the blood center day-to-day as if blood is in limbo stocks.

She updates the demand and supply, including cases of accidents, dengue phenomena and others.

Dr. Yee is a vigilant advocate against HIV-AIDS as she recently reported the rise of cases this year.

Local officials call her day or night, asking for blood. Sometimes, she gets disturbed at early morning. But she never complains.

Dr. Yee just loves her job. In fact, she just spent her birthday whole morning in the awarding ceremonies.

Dimayuga, Felix and Yee -- along with other awardees -- are one in giving ‘Lorenzo’s time” to those in need.