PBA players pledge support for comatose Samboy Lim

MANILA, Philippines – As Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) legend Samboy Lim remains hospitalized in a coma, Lim’s contemporaries are considering a charity game to raise funds for his mounting hospital bills.

Lim collapsed during an exhibition game on November 28 at the Ynares Sports Arena and has remained in a comatose state while being treated at Medical City Hospital.

Veteran reporter Quinito Henson reports that Lim may be discharged from the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit soon and moved to a regular room, as well as possibly being allowed to return home.

Tests have shown that Lim’s brain is active, though brain waves are moving slow. Lim has also shown signs of pupil reactivity and yawning while his blood pressure remains stable, and vital organs are functioning. There have been no seizures or fever. 

PBA legend Samboy Lim, known as the Skywalker, may be moved out of ICU at Medical City soon and brought to regular room before discharged for home care even as he remains in coma 2 1/2 weeks after suffering cardiac arrest at Ynares Pasig. Tests show brain active but waves are slow, positive signs are pupil reactivity, yawning, stable blood pressure, functioning vital organs, no seizures, no fever. Samboy undergoing passive physical therapy in bed—-decision on home care will be made in 1 or 2 weeks, ex-wife Lelen Berberabe and 17-year-old daughter Jamie asking for more prayers, fund-drives have been launched by Ramon Fernandez, Allan Caidic and The Philippine Star, donations may be deposited in BDO C/A 7018006040 in favor of Darlene Berberabe In Trust For Jamie Christine B. Lim, we’re all praying for the Skywalker to Hang In There! #SamboyLim #Skywalker #HangInThere #PBALegend

A photo posted by Joaquin Henson (@therealdeanquinito) on Dec 12, 2014 at 3:54am PST

The potential fund-raising game could take place sometime between the conclusion of the 2014-2015 PBA Philippine Cup playoffs and the new calendar year, according to PBA legend Alvin Patrimonio. 

The game would pit a team composed of PBA legends – Patrimonio included – against another squad, though the specific participants of both teams remain undetermined as of today, Sunday, December 14.

A Banco de Oro bank account has also been opened where those interested can deposit donations to help settle Lim’s mounting hospital payments. Over the past few days, former and current PBA players and many others have turned to social media to share details of the bank account, which was spearheaded by PBA legends Ramon Fernandez, Allan Caidic, and others. 

PBA Media Bureau Chief Willie Marcial has also informed that the PBA continues to provide assistance to help Lim. 

PBA veteran Asi Taulava also agreed to chip in by donating Php 1,000 for every point he scored (10) during his team’s (NLEX Road Warriors) playoff game against the Alaska Aces last Thursday, December 11. 

Following the match, Taulava told Rappler that he planned on heading directly to Medical City Hospital to give his donation. – Rappler.com