Samboy’s kin bats for CPR awareness
PBA legend Samboy Lim continues to fight for full recovery of his senses after suffering a heart attack last November but while there are positive signs of revitalization, his condition is guarded as he is still unable to see, talk or function on his own.
Lim’s niece Danielle Wicklund, daughter of his sister Maricor, said the other day with CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), critical situations could be averted. Lim collapsed on the bench during a basketball game and was without oxygen for about 23 minutes. Nobody administered CPR. He was admitted at The Medical City dead on arrival. Doctors revived Lim and put his body in therapeutic hypothermia for 48 hours to prevent further damage to his heart.
“By not receiving CPR, Uncle Samboy suffered hypoxia or lack of oxygen in the brain for 23 minutes,” said Wicklund. “It was a miracle for him to come back to life but it took more than 40 days to wake him up from a coma. Uncle Samboy cannot see, speak or move. He is still fighting for his life.”
Wicklund said schools should initiate CPR awareness and certification classes. “CPR can help prevent grim situations and even death,” she said. “CPR knowledge will empower students. According to the American Heart Health Association, only 32 percent of people who had cardiac arrest on the spot got CPR from a stranger. We need to take action now before it’s too late.”
Last April 1, Lim turned 53. Family and friends gathered for an early morning Mass in the two-bedroom Wack Wack condo unit where he now stays. Lim’s former wife Lelen Berberabe, who has taken charge of his treatment, organized the get-together with his sister Maricor who flew in from her home in Pittsburgh to attend. Among the guests were Lim’s former teammates Allan Caidic and Hector Calma.
“Samboy was lucid all day on his birthday,” recounted Maricor. “He was smiling from time to time, acknowledged his friends’ presence by opening his eyes widely, veered his head towards the direction where voices came from. He was happy but visibly tired as he slept soundly that night.”
Berberabe said doctors are amazed at how Lim has coped with his impairment. “Sam’s eyes are open though he still can’t see,” she said. “Doctors believe vision may come later as this sense and speech are most affected by hypoxia. Last December, doctors thought he will be in a coma for a long time. They are surprised that they see signs of mental processing. And all limbs seem to be able to move so with physical therapy, with time, with Sam’s spirit and grit and prayers, he should recover. Doctors are taking note of his situation as an exception to textbook cases.”
Attending physician and cardiologist Dr. Luigi Segundo filed this update on Lim: “He has improved a lot compared to his previous state. He is more responsive when talking to loved ones. His wake-sleep cycle has improved. A 24-hour EEG has been done to adjust his seizure medications and his latest cardiac status is stable.”
Berberabe said a physical therapist visits Lim regularly for sessions and he undergoes prescribed exercises with nurses every day. “He sits up on a wheelchair daily for two hours to exercise his back, no infection, no complication,” she said. “He continues to show that he understands what we say. He also continues to show emotions. His alertness level varies. He is being given real food, blenderized and through his PEG. We continue to be hopeful and most importantly, thankful for everyone’s love.”
Maricor said Lim’s vision could be improving. “He has his way of acknowledging familiar voices,” she said. “He still can’t see but maybe, he can see blurry images. He blinks his eyes repeatedly as his way of communicating. He follows simple instructions, gets emotional when hearing sad news and opens his eyes wide to signal he understands what you’re telling him.”
Despite his condition, Lim is somehow able to express his gratitude to those who have come to his aid. “Sam has always been so appreciative,” said Maricor. “He will make you know how thankful he is. He still remains the same except that now, he has to resort to new ways to convey his message.”
Lim’s only child Jamie recently graduated from Immaculate Conception Academy with honors and a gold medal in sports. Jamie will move to UP Diliman to study Applied Physics and hopes to earn her black belt in karate this year. Although college studies are her priority, she continues to consider trying out for the national karate team.
The UNTV network recently announced it will donate P1 Million for Lim’s treatment. Over P3 Million has been spent so far for his medical expenses. Lim’s former teammates Calma, Caidic and Pido Jarencio will join other PBA legends Atoy Co, Ed Cordero and Jojo Lastimosa in playing for Team Skywalker against the UNTV All-Stars in an exhibition game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on April 28. The game is being organized by UNTV whose CEO and chairman Daniel Razon said “What we are doing is for public service and we know by heart, how Samboy helped make basketball as the country’s No. 1 sport and we are glad that some legends are coming back after retirement to help raise funds for Samboy.”