By Ronnie Nathanielsz
It is becoming abundantly clear that the insurance provided for classy southpaw Z “The Dream” Gorres who underwent brain surgery after collapsing in his corner following his impressive victory over Colombia’s Luis Melendez last November 13 is totally inadequate, given the costs of his brain surgery at the University Medical Center in Las Vegas and the post- operation rehabilitation phase.
Nevada State Athletic Commission Executive Director Keith Kizer informed BoxingScene.com, insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports that Top Rank Promotions of Bob Arum who promoted the fight card at the Mandalay Bay House of Blues in partnership with MP Promotions of boxing hero Manny Pacquiao “provided at least $50,000 worth of insurance” f or Gorres..
Asked whether the insurance covers all medical bills, surgery, rehab etc, Kizer replied “yes, up to the coverage limit”.
When informed that by all indications the insurance coverage would be totally inadequate in handling the medical bills and asked what would happen in such a situation Kizer said Gorres “may have other insurance as well. They will also be raising donations.”
Governor Gwendoline Garcia of the province of Cebu where Gorres comes from, immediately donated P100,000 to Gorres’ wife Datchess and the governor and her brother were also reportedly chipping in some personal funds to support Gorres while providing Ms. Gorres with a plane ticket to Las Vegas.
The Mandaue City government headed by Mayor Jonas Cortez and Vice Mayor Carlo Fortuna also donated P100,000 but MP Promotions hasn’t indicated it would provide any kind of assistance to the fallen fighter so far.
Given his present condition there is no way Gorres can be taken out of the Intensive Care Unit or out of hospital which would put his life in danger. Some staff members at the University Medical Center have advised us that Gorres should not leave the hospital until he is cleared medically to do so, which means mounting hospital bills not covered by insurance.
It was believed that under US laws, Gorres cannot be discharged because of inability to pay his medical bills and that the US government through the State of Nevada would be obligated to pay for all medical expenses until the boxer is fit to be released.
We recall the case of PBA player Sonny Cabatu who was suddenly hospitalized in Los Angeles and had no means of paying his hospital bills but recovered and was released with the California government paying for all his medical expenses.
Meantime, ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer who visits Gorres daily reported that in his last visit the stricken fighter “looked good, maybe the best I have seen him. His eyes were open and looked normal. However, he still cannot recognize people but was sharp in responding when I talked to him. He cannot speak yet but can communicate well on his right side. I told him that his wife Datches would be hopefully arriving on Dec 2 or 3 and he nodded his head and had tears in his eyes which made it so emotional.”
Aldeguer said he told Gorres “ never did I realize that a lot of people care and love him judging by the response and prayers which have been overwhelming.”
Aldeguer said “ It will be a long road for Z to be back and live a normal life but what is sure is that he can live a functional life and can enjoy his four kids. His left side is still not responding and will need time to rehabilitate although we cannot ask for more because of what he went through and I could say its a miracle where he is now.”
The youthful Aldeguer who assumed the mantle of his father, respected boxing patron Tony Aldeguer thanked everyone for the concern and prayers that helped Z recover “in this very difficult time. Maybe God has other plans for Z and as the saying goes you can never put a good man down.”
