Gorres out of ICU, can already write

CEBU, Philippines - Stricken Cebuano fighter Z Gorres further showed positive signs of a speedy recovery and is now out of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the University Medical Center in Las Vegas where he underwent brain surgery after he collapsed in a fight he won against Colombian Luis Melendez three weeks ago.

In a text message sent to The Freeman by ALA Boxing Gym founder Antonio “Bidoy” L.Aldeguer, who charted the career path of Gorres since he was nine years old, ALA Promotions president Michael P. Aldeguer relayed that Gorres is looking good at the recovery room and can already write.

The younger Aldeguer added that the presence of his wife Datches has somehow boosted the spirit and morale of Gorres.

With mixed feelings as she has to leave her four young children, Datches flew to the United States Thursday night to personally attend to the needs of Z, who is facing the toughest battle of his life.

“We are in Vancouver (Canada) right now. Z is out of the ICU and is in the recovery room. He looks good and is responding well. He can write. Datches helped a lot,” said Aldeguer.

The 27-year-old Gorres fell prone on the canvas unconscious a few moments after he was declared the winner by unanimous decision over Melendez at the Mandalay House of Blues. He was then rushed to the UMC where he went through an emergency surgery to remove a blood clot on the left side of his brain.

The doctors attending Gorres has attributed his quick recovery for his being an athlete.

Meanwhile, support continue to pour in for Gorres with the Philippines Sports Commission (PSC) and the city government of Mandaue chipping in P100,000 each to help defray his medical expenses. The provincial government of Cebu has earlier handed over P100,000, which Datches used in her US trip.

The University of the Visayas (UV) and the Gullas family are also spearheading a one-month fund-raising activity for the benefit of Gorres.

“For all those who have offered and extended help to us, I thank them from the bottom of my heart. This means a lot for us and helps lighten our load at this most difficult moment of our lives. I enjoin all Z’s friends and fans to keep on praying for his full recovery,” said Datches prior to leaving for the US. -  THE FREEMAN