Gab Chee Kee of Parokya ni Edgar. Image from Facebook / Parokya Ni Edgar
A few weeks after Parokya Ni Edgar guitarist Gab Chee Kee went under the knife to treat his lymphoma, his bandmates paid him a visit to cheer him up on Valentine’s Day.
Chee Kee has been diagnosed with lymphoma, a kind of cancer that attacks the lymphatic system. He is reportedly at the intensive care unit due to complications.
In a Facebook post, the still bed-bound Chee Kee was snapped giving an OK hand gesture though his face was not shown to the camera.
“Hi all, we just came from visiting Gab this Valentine’s Day. He’s still at the ICU, but steadily improving,” the group stated in its Facebook post.
The group likewise asked its followers for continued prayers for its ailing member.
“Please keep sending positive vibes to him and praying for his full recovery. He says THANK YOU to all of you—friends, family, fans and even strangers who’ve extended help in whatever way or form,” it said.
Last January 18, Parokya vocalist Chito Miranda disclosed on social media the medical condition of Chee Kee, as he asked for financial help for his friend and bandmate’s hospitalization and eventual surgery, despite the latter’s initial objections.
Miranda further said that while the guitarist initially opted not to make his condition public, he later on acquiesced as he would be in need of financial assistance due to his prolonged hospitalization.
According to Miranda, Chee Kee’s cancer was discovered last year, but he continued to perform with the band until he was advised by his doctor to take a break and rest.
Early this month, Miranda again posted on social media a fundraising concert for Chee Kee.
“Tara!!! Kitakits sa Linggo!!! Surprise guest daw si Vinch sabi nya. Masaya to sigurado hehe!!! Walang iwanan sa Parokya Band, sa Parokya ni Edgar,” he said on Facebook, referring to the band’s former backup vocalist, Vincent “Vinci” Montaner.
Miranda also previously revealed that fellow musicians including Ebe Dancel, Moira Dela Torre, Gloc-9, Shanti Dope, Flow G, and bands Kamikazee, Gracenote and December Avenue have already set fundraising gigs for Chee Kee.