Samboy’s Ex-wife: We want Skywalker to be back

MANILA, Philippines – “We really want the Skywalker to be back.”

Those were the words of Samboy Lim’s ex-wife Atty. Darlene Berberabe, when asked about the condition of Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) great Samboy Lim, who remains comatose in intensive care after falling unconscious during an exhibition game on Friday, November 28.

The 52-year-old retired PBA veteran played 6 minutes of a Legends game at Ynares Arena in Pasig before collapsing and being rushed to nearby Medical City hospital, where he has remained.

Berberabe, who is president of The Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG Fund, spoke to Rappler Wednesday, December 17 on how Pag-IBIG is fulfilling its mandate to assist Filipinos in building homes and giving loan assistance when she was asked by viewers through social media about the current condition of the PBA Hall of Famer.

Berberabe said she and her daughter, Jaime Christine, have been deeply affected by what happened to Samboy Lim. She echoed recent reports that Lim remains in coma but his other organs are stable.

“Sam is still in the ICU. We’re still waiting for him to wake up. His other organs are all stable, he’s breathing on his own, but the neurologists are telling us that the neurologic condition is uncertain and we just have to wait and see… we just have to wait for positive signs.”

Throughout the weeks, Berberabe said Lim’s condition has been improving and that they are taking it “one day at a time.”

She also expressed gratitude to everyone who has prayed for the improvement of the former PBA star’s condition.

“We’re very thankful for all the prayers…please continue to pray because the heavens cannot not listen to the prayers of the people who love Samboy.”

Helping Samboy

A Banco de Oro bank account has been opened where those interested can deposit donations to help settle Lim’s mounting hospital payments.

Berberabe said the account is under the name of their daughter and was put up to raise medical funds for Samboy. She said there are two things they raising funds for: For the hospital bills, and for continuing care after Lim is discharged from the hospital.

Berberabe also asked donors, those willing to identify themselves, to come forward because she said the family wants to write to them letters of gratitude as well as consistently update them on Lim’s condition and how the donations were spent.

RELATED: PBA players pledge support for comatose Samboy Lim 

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.

PBA Media Bureau Chief Willie Marcial said the PBA continues to provide assistance for Lim.

– Rappler.com

If you wish to make a donation for Samboy Lim’s Fund, see details below:

BDO Current Account
7018006040
Darlene Berberabe ITF Jamie Christine B. Lim.

Jamie is Samboy’s daughter. This is an ITF account or In Trust For Jamie since Jamie is still a minor.