Jack Jakosalem slowly recovering

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Traffic Operations Management chairman Sylvan “Jack” Jakosalem is slowly recovering more than two months since he was rushed to the hospital.

In a press conference yesterday, Jakosalem’s wife Sharon and his doctor reported his real condition to dispel rumors about his health.

Sharon said that the former councilor is recovering in the Intensive Care Unit of the Perpetual Succour Hospital after undergoing two neurological surgeries in October and on December 13.

But Jakosalem’s family and the Team Rama are keeping mum whether he will still pursue his political career.

“Right now, our priority is the recovery of my husband and taking care of our kids. Mayor Rama can also best answer the question,” Sharon said.

Rama also avoided the topic, saying only that they will extend all the help needed by the family.

“We still have until December 21 to finalize. What I am certain is that I want a Jakosalem to run,” he said.

There are reports that Team Rama might field Jakosalem’s wife as a substitute if his health condition will not permit him to pursue his candidacy.

Before he was hospitalized in October, Jakosalem filed his certificate of candidacy to run for councilor under Team Rama.

Rama said that the idea of considering Sharon as a substitute is not far-fetched.

“First of all, she is a Jakosalem and she is a degree holder,” Rama said.

The mayor said Team Rama will make a formal announcement should there be any changes in their lineup.

But right now, he said, they are focusing on Jakosalem’s fast recovery and are looking for ways how they can help the family raise money to pay for the increasing hospital bills.

Jakosalem’s colleagues at Y101 FM, where he is the president, said his bills run for over P30,000 daily for medicines alone.

The mayor did not say if the city government will be able to help since the former councilor is in a private hospital.

The city government has a hospitalization program for city constituents, but there are requirements to be met to avail of the program.

Jakosalem’s attending physician, Dr. Toom Vatanagul, said being in the ICU for more than two months is really a burden.

Vatanagul said although Jakosalem is recovering slowly, the signs are promising.

Jakosalem suffered from neurocysticercosis, a parasitic disease in the nervous system.

He was treated in the past until last September when he complained of severe headaches and suffered from episodes of seizures.

The result of his cranial CT scan showed a recurrence of the parasitic infection. He had a brain edema or brain swelling and was advised to immediately stay at the hospital.

Dr. Wyben Briones, his neurosurgeon, conducted a craniectomy procedure where part of the skull was removed to allow his swelling brain to expand.

Jakosalem also suffered from hydrocephalus and underwent Ventriculoperitoneal Shunting, a procedure done to relieve the increased pressure inside the skull due to excess cerebrospinal fluid.

Vatanagul said the shunting is temporary.

Jakosalem can already sit in his bed, open his eyes and move his arms. Sharon said her husband is in constant therapy.

Vatanagul said it always takes time for a brain to recover when it undergoes a procedure, adding that constant prayers will aid Jakosalem’s fast recovery.

But he refused to provide a time-frame for Jakosalem’s full recovery.

Y101 FM is holding a benefit concert called Jam for Jack, a whole day event that aims to raise money to help Jakosalem’s family in the hospital expenses. The initial venue is the Ayala Terraces.

Martha Tuason, CEO of Y101 FM, has opened a Banco De Oro account with account number 006098014504 for those who would deposit their assistance. — LPM (FREEMAN)