Award-winning actor Pen Medina was recently hospitalized. His family needs help with his medical expenses. One of his sons, actor Ping Medina, posted about the elder Medina’s situation on social media.
“Due to the pandemic, our dad scarcely had any work, which siphoned his savings over the past two years,” Ping wrote.
Meanwhile, Pen’s daughter Kathleen said the veteran actor is trying to remain optimistic. According to her, he realizes he may not be able to tape shows for a while. Even so, the 71-year-old artist is determined to stay productive.
“Lagi niyang sinasabi na he wants to go back to painting, kasi ‘yun talaga ‘yung f irst love niya,” Kathleen said. “He’s been asking us to help him him mount an exhibit. He’s very talented.”
Pen was in the hospital for three weeks due to Degenerative Disc Disease. Despite its name, it’s an age-related condition, not a disease. It happens when one or more of the discs in the spinal column breaks down, causing intense pain.
The discs between the vertebrae allow for flexing and bending of the back. Over time, they become worn, which means they don’t offer as much protection as they used to.
“He twisted his back in the bathroom and he hasn’t been able to get up from the couch ever since the night,” Kathleen said. “Luma na talaga ‘yung buto niya, wala nang fluid. The pain was coming from pag nagtatamaan ‘yung discs niya sa spine. We also saw he had a pinched nerve there, that’s why it was getting worse.”
The veteran actor finally went under the knife a few days ago. His surgery was successful.
“Maraming salamat sa aking Spine Surgeon Dr. Romel Estillore at kanyang team, my Anesthesiologist Dra. Lota Ticman at sa aking Ortho Doctor Dr. Misael Ticman, sa kanyang walang sawa at walang pagod na pagtulong at pag-alalay sa amin,” Pen himself said on Facebook.
“Hindi pa po tapos ang aking laban, I will be needing more prayers as my medical team addresses the accompanying infection,” he added. “Marami pong salamat sa lahat ng nagdasal at patuloy na nagdadasal para sa akin. Marami pong salamat!”
His children also expressed gratitude to those who sent help.
Ping wrote, “I rarely get gifts for my birthday. Didn’t expect to get one today. Thank you for all your healing vibes we still have a long road ahead but we will never forget all your love and generosity!”
Alex echoed his brother’s sentiments. “MARAMING MARAMING SALAMAT PO SA LAHAT NG TULONG NINYO!!! Di po ito posible kung wala kayo at ang inyong mga dasal,” he wrote.
Crispin “Pen” Parungao Medina Sr. is a multi-award-winning actor recognized by various organizations. He once received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Philippine Movie Press Club.
If you still want to help Pen and his family, you may send assistance through Kathleen Medina. Here are her BPI (4539 0752 12), GCash (09778234150), and Unionbank (109423983730) accounts.
Send screenshots of offers, questions, and well-wishes to japs.medina@gmail.com.
Featured Image Daniella Sison
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