Alay sa Pinoy Frontliners

In these uncertain times, no one personifies the Filipino word "Alay" (which means “offering") better than the doctors and nurses at the frontlines of the COVID-19 outbreak. They offer their own safety to save lives. I should know. I was COVID Positive Patient PH. 480.

I was diagnosed with both COVID-19 and pneumonia. With every breath, I fought for my life. What saved me were prayers, love of friends and family and the steadfast, unceasing dedication of my doctors and the medical staff at the hospital. I was witness to their extraordinary courage and heart.

We have been calling them heroes, and honor the fallen. But they don’t need to die. We can do something to help them stay alive, and afford them the blessing to go home to their families.

As of April 22, of the 6,710 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the Philippines, 1062 (16%) of them are frontline healthcare workers. Of this, 422 are doctors, 386 nurses and 245 are other healthcare workers. We have already lost 22 doctors on the frontlines. Let us not lose any more.

COVID-19 is heartless and does not discriminate. The carnage and the fear are very, very real. It is a war, with an enemy we cannot see. And our soldiers- the healthcare workers are fighting to keep us all alive.

Help us suit them up with gear that they need to protect themselves and win this war.

Together with friends, we have been able to donate hygiene kits, masks, gloves, alcohol and PPE suits to 6 hospitals ( East Avenue Medical Center, Philippine General Hospital, Philippine Heart Center, Amang Rodriguez Hospital, Makati Medical Center, De Ocampo Hospital ) But everyday, there are more who need help.

I will never forget the competence and dedication of the medical workers who cared for me. I want to give more back; this is my “alay”. They saved my life and many others. I appeal to you to please help me protect theirs.