Stricken cager calls for wife, daughter

MANILA, Philippines - Former Crispa center Ed Carvajal was only 24 and at the peak of his basketball career when the 6-6 beanpole became paralyzed after a nine-hour surgery to remove a benign tumor in his brain in 1975.

Carvajal was married less than two years and his daughter Jhoanna was 10 months old at the time of the tragedy. The PBA was a month away from inception and Carvajal looked forward to turning pro with the Redmanizers. He had lofty credentials, having played for the 1972 NCAA champion Jose Rizal Heavy Bombers, the Philippine team that won the 1972 Asian Youth crown and the Crispa squad that took the National Invitational, Palarong Pilipino and MICAA All-Filipino titles in 1974 under coach Baby Dalupan.

But during practice one fateful day, Carvajal fainted. He was rushed to the UERM hospital for a checkup and suffered what seemed like an epileptic attack as doctors prepared to examine him. A CT-Scan later showed a tumor 3/4 the size of his brain. Without delay, Carvajal underwent surgery at Medical Center Manila and a team of five neurologists, led by Dr. Victor Reyes, removed the tumor which was caused by a blood clot resulting from a congenital blockage of an artery to the brain. Carvajal was comatose for two months then regained consciousness but lost all his motor senses – he was paralyzed from the neck down.

About six years after the operation, Carvajal’s wife Gina left him with their daughter and migrated to the US. She has remarried and their daughter, now 35, has two children of her own. For nearly 30 years, Carvajal has not heard from his wife or daughter.

Today, Carvajal lies bed-ridden in the care of his older brother Lito. Through the years, he has survived countless near-death episodes. Three years ago, he was taken to the hospital in an ambulance after developing pneumonia and almost died. Somehow, Carvajal wouldn’t let go – he was holding on for a purpose.

Last Sunday, the whole world celebrated Father’s Day. And Carvajal, 59, finally disclosed what has kept him alive in a virtual state of helplessness – the dream of someday, seeing his wife and daughter again, telling them how much he loves them, thanking the Lord for his family. To be introduced to his two grandchildren would be the icing on the cake.

Carvajal, now hairless, has lost all his teeth and is fed a soft diet. A caregiver on a 24-hour duty watches over him. He is given a full bath everyday. There are no meals he misses. He prays fervently. Statues of the Blessed Mother and the Sacred Heart of Jesus are within his reach. He is able to slightly raise his right arm and clutch a pillow shaped like a basketball with his right hand but virtually everything else is immobile. He sees with both eyes, smiles and murmurs words that only his caregiver can understand and translate. The scar of his surgery remains visible, a winding trail of stitches from his forehead all the way back to his ears. Doctors bore a hole in his skull to extract the tumor and the delicate operation desensitized his nerves.

The youngest of four children, Carvajal was the fair-haired boy, the celebrity in the family. His late parents Carding (a former Citibank executive) and Laura doted on him. So did his sisters Carmeling (now deceased), Laurita and Lito, a former Ateneo cager. They were all heart-broken when Carvajal was stricken.

“I want to see Mommy and Daddy,” Carvajal muttered in his brother’s Alabang home last Sunday. “I love them so much. I love my Kuya Lito all my life. I love my wife and daughter. I want to see them again.” As he struggled to be understood, there were tears in his eyes.

When he celebrated his 59th birthday last August, family friend Gloria Garcia organized a get-together in the Carvajal home and former Crispa stars Bogs Adornado, Atoy Co and Philip Cezar came.

“His mind is sharp and he remembers things from way back,” said Lito. “He’ll tell you whom his teammates were, like Abet Guidaben, Freddie Hubalde and Rey Franco and he’ll even tell you their jersey numbers.”

Carvajal has never lost his sense of humor despite his tragic condition. Asked who was the handsomest Crispa player, he said, “you’re talking to him.” He said he would never agree to be in the care of a male caregiver because he’s a chick-boy.

Why did he wear No. 14? “Because my father’s birthday was the 14th – May 14 and I love my father very much,” he replied. His answers to other questions were quick – Who was his boss? “Danny Floro.” Who was his closest friend among the Redmanizers? “All of them.”

Lito, 71, said he will never leave his brother’s side. “I will take care of him, no matter what, because I love him and that’s how my parents wanted it,” said Lito, a widower. “His life is in God’s hands. The way he’s going, he’ll outlive us all. Ed’s a survivor.”

Carvajal hardly watches TV although there is a set near the bed in his room provided by Lito. His caregiver said he would rather enjoy a Dolphy comedy on TV than a basketball game. Carvajal likes to receive visitors and even if he is unable to converse clearly, the exercise is good for the mind, added the caregiver.

Carvajal is alive for a reason and last Father’s Day, he revealed it. If only his wife and daughter could find it in their hearts to see him again.