Baron Geisler
“She will no longer feel the pain of the illness that made her suffer…and for that, I’m glad,” said actor Baron Geisler of his mom who succumbed to cancer on Sunday night. Gracia Bayonito Geisler was 60.
According to Baron’s brother, taekwondo Olympian Donnie Geisler, their mom first became ill in 2015. “She was hospitalized due to liver failure. She then needed dialysis thrice a week,” Donnie told the Inquirer by phone on Monday afternoon.
Gracia was again hospitalized in December 2016. The result of her MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan revealed that she had stage 4 cancer in her pancreas, lungs and throat. Donnie said this came as a surprise to them. “Because she had become so weak, she couldn’t continue with her dialysis anymore. In her last couple of weeks, she simply went through pain management,” Donnie said.
Gracia’s remains lie at St. Louie Memorial Chapel and Services, in Mabiga, Mabalacat City, Pampanga, and will be cremated on Thursday.
“I will forever be grateful for your love and kindness, Mommy,” Baron posted on his Facebook account. He said there was never a day that he failed to say “I love you” to her. “I’m glad that you’re (now) with Papa Jesus.”
Baron also commented on how beautiful his mom looked, even in death. “God is kind. Her face looked peaceful,” he observed.
The actor also thanked his supporters for their concern. “I am recalling both fun and sad memories. I can’t understand how I’m feeling right now. What’s important is that she is now free from suffering,” Baron declared.
Baron’s mom, Gracia Bayonito Geisler, and dad, Donald David Geisler
Their father, German-American soldier Donald David Geisler, passed away in 2009.
“She was a fighter. She didn’t want to think of her illness. She wanted to live longer for us,” Donnie said. “I wasn’t able to say good-bye properly, but it’s OK. I live in Manila, and she stayed here (in Pampanga). I’ve been going back and forth the past week. She was very happy and thankful to see me. That’s how she knew I love her.”
Baron, who had been involved in controversies related to his battle with alcoholism, earlier pointed out that his mother was his anchor. He said it was his mom who inspired him to stay sober and healthy. Donnie said he wasn’t worried about Baron, “because he has a very good support group. He has been attending church (Victory) here in Pampanga.”
Donnie added: “He seemed OK. I’ll be here for him. Of course, it’s just natural that we argue sometimes, but we always call each other. We’re not shy to say how much we love each other. Now, our relationship is more of good buddies, the best of friends.”