OPM artists unite to help Parokya Ni Edgar's guitarist battling lymphoma through fundraising gigs
Various OPM artists are now set to band together through a series of fundrasing gigs to help Parokya ni Edgar guitarist Gabriel "Gab" Chee Kee, who is in critical condition due to complications of his lymphoma.
This comes after the band's lead singer Chito Miranda had published a lengthy update regarding his bandmate's health condition, which was made private from the public as Gab didn't want anyone to worry about him.
"Gab needs to undergo treatment, and won't be able to play until he makes a full recovery," Chito began. "Gabriel was diagnosed with lymphoma late last year, and has been undergoing chemotherapy for the past few months."
While Gab continued to perform with the band in a few of their gigs, his condition eventually worsened to the point that his doctor advised him to discontinue playing and prioritize his health.
As Gab had been one of Chito's closest friends since their first year of high school, Chito didn't want to continue performing for their fans without him. However, Gab encouraged his bandmates to go on with the show, and so they did.
"We owe it to Gab, and more importantly, to everyone na patuloy na sumusuporta sa Parokya, to continue playing." Chito wrote. "Unfortunately, due to complications brought about by his condition, he is now battling pneumonia and was recently transferred sa ICU (intensive care unit) and has been intubated for more than a week already."
The piling hospital bills are now proving too much for Gab's family, and so they decided to convince him to inform the public of his situation to ask for assistance.
Chito shared that they will now be doing a series of fundraisers to help their bandmate. He also revealed that fellow musicians Ebe Dancel, Moira Dela Torre, Gloc-9, Shanti Dope, Flow G, and bands Kamikazee, Gracenote, and December Avenue will be helping out through their own fundraising gigs.
"Matinding laban 'to for Gab at reresbakan natin siya. [W]alang iwanan sa Parokya Band, sa Parokya ni Edgar." Chito ended.
In a separate post, he provided the details on where to send financial assistance to help pay Gab's hospital bills. He also showed appreciation for those who have reached out to give supportive messages and aid to their bandmate.
Parokya ni Edgar was formed in 1993 by a group of friends from Ateneo de Manila High School. The band comprises of Chito Miranda, Buwi Meneses, Darius Semaña, Gab Chee Kee, Dindin Moreno, and Vinci Montaner.