by Robbie Pangilinan
It was a sorrowful day for the family of Filipino teenager Raphael Alcoreza in Surrey, Vancouver as doctors decided to pull the plug a week after he fell into a coma.
Alcoreza, 17, collapsed during an early-season exhibition game between the Panorama Ridge Thunder and the Holy Cross Crusaders at the Holy Cross Regional High School November 28. The Grade 12, 6’1” student who plays guard with the Thunder squad told coaches that he felt dizzy and lightheaded while at the bench.
“He said he just needed some fresh air. The other coaches told me that he went outside, and the assistant coach went out with him. He collapsed when he was out there,” recalls Holy Cross coach Matt LeChasseur.
The coaches performed CPR and called the paramedics who also tried to resuscitate him and rushed him to the hospital where he remained in critical condition following the cardiac arrest.
The family prayed the rosary every day and the gofundme page “Support Raphael Alcoreza’s Family” raised $14,000 in 20 hours.
Nelson and Marie, Rapahel’s parents, did not agree with taking him out of life support, but they accepted the doctor’s decision amidst cries from the family and the whole basketball team.
Raphael eas born and raised in Surrey, Vancouver. He is the youngest of three boys. He is supposed to come home next year to play with the Letran Knights.