Green Archers save a teammate from MVP

A group of former De La Salle Green Archers have been silently gathering support against a silent enemy known in medical circles as MVP. They are going out of their way to back up a loyal teammate who is scheduled for open-heart surgery this month. Until recently, the beneficiary himself was unaware of how much his teammates cared.

Vincent San Diego was a gangling back-up center on the Green Archers from 1997 to 2000, and was part of the “four-peat” team that started winning titles in 1998. In a joint e-mail from three couples and four individuals – including teammates Mon Jose, Alvin Castro, BJ Manalo, Mika Vainio and Mika Gavino, a group of friends expressed concern thusly:

“Whilst he may not have been one of our mainstays, still, he contributed to the team’s achievements and milestones.

“Recently, following a series of medical examinations, Vincent was diagnosed with a pro-lapsed mitral valve in his heart which requires him to undergo open-heart surgery this October. As you are aware, this is a major procedure and will entail a substantial amount of surgical and post-operative expenses that may amount to more or less P1,000,000.

“Unfortunately, because of the magnitude of this expenditure, Vincent and his family may find it difficult to cover this entire amount. And it is in this light that we, his friends, have taken it upon ourselves to go on a drive to raise funds to assist him and his family in covering these costs.

“We have set a goal to raise P500,000 by the middle of October. And in connection with our efforts, we are approaching you to solicit your assistance in helping us achieve this. We leave it up to your kind heart to determine the amount that you would want to contribute in helping a fellow La Sallian and athlete.”

The mitral valve (so named because it looks like a bishop’s miter) prevents blood from flowing back into the left side of the heart. Many years ago, mitral valve prolapse (MVP) was an undetected cause of heart murmurs, palpitations, shortness of breath, fainting and panic attacks. In extreme cases, mitral valve prolapse can cause blood to flood into the chambers of the heart, and cause cardiac arrest.

Correcting it is a rather sensitive procedure.

“I know he doesn’t really want to make a big deal about it when he discussed his situation to a couple of our friends,” former Green Archers point guard Mon Jose told The STAR. “He didn’t know we were trying to raise funds for him until last week. When we told him what we’re doing, he was very happy and appreciative about it. It’s his life on the line so we are trying to do whatever small things we can that can help.”

Jose also said the group is also trying to buffer the effects of the long-drawn aftermath of the surgery, which will render San Diego unable to work for an extended period of time.

“Other than the surgery itself, it’s the recovery period we are more concerned about,” added Jose, who played briefly in the PBA after his tenure in DLSU. “He’ll be out of work for months: meds, check-ups, etc. He is using some of his savings and his parents found ways to come up with some money, so whatever we can raise and our efforts will hopefully help him get back on track.”

The friends of Vincent San Diego have also given a Bank of the Philippine Islands account through which donors may help, in the name of Joaquin Carlos Z. Uy. They are also willing to pick up donations from those who wish to give in person.

College basketball season may be over, but teamwork and selflessness are a way of life for these La Sallites who’ve shared the experience of hardcourt battle together.