Kin of deceased cardiologist Dr. Raul Jara reminds everyone: 'His memory is not defined by how he died but how he lived'

The child of deceased frontline cardiologist Dr. Raul Jara asked everyone to remember the good doctor not “by how he died but how he lived.”

Dr. Jara, a “great pillar” of Philippine cardiology, died on Tueday, March 24, after being on the frontline in fighting COVID-19.

In a statement released by the Philippine Heart Association, the unnamed child of Dr. Raul described their father as a “tower of strength and leadership.”

“Papa is a tower of strength and leadership and he served as the head of our family and a beacon of hope for many in the midst of this crisis,” the statement read.

“He knew the extensive battle he was facing and he kept on fighting.”

The letter also thanked the doctors, nurses, and staff of the Philippine Heart Association that took care of their father.

“We are especially grateful to Philippine Heart Center's doctors, nurses, and staff who took care of him and have gone way and beyond their call of duty, as they treated him with compassion, like their own family.”

Lastly, the writer also asked everyone not to remember their father by how he died but by how he lived.

“His memory is not defined by how he died but how he lived,” the letter read.

“He dedicated his whole life to constant learning and teaching and molding future doctors.

“He would ask the tough questions to push you to learn and persevere.

“He believed in his students and would think of them as children and the hope of the future generations.”

The Philippine Heart Association also thanked Dr. Jara for his contribution not just to the organization but to Philippine cardiology.

Dr. Jara served as president of the association.

“He was a great father, teacher, mentor, poet, author, singer, colleague, friend. One who has spent his life teaching,” the association said in a Facebook post.

“One who never got tired to impart knowledge and wisdom. One who made you sweat as he bombards you with questions but would suddenly make you feel at ease as he breaks into a smile.

“Each trainee he encountered and had taught always has a story to tell about him.

“Rest in peace, Dr. Jara, as we remember you in our hearts and the teachings you have imparted to us.

“We deeply mourn for your loss but we want this more to be a celebration of your life.

“Philippine Cardiology will not be the same without you.”

Other frontliners also succumbed to COVID-19 like fellow cardiologist Israel Bactol of the Philippine Heart Center, anethesiologist Gregorio Macasaet III of Manila Doctors Hospital, oncologist Rose Pulido of the San Juan de Dios Hospital and Marcelo Jaochico, the provincial health officer of Pampanga.

GMA, through its socio-civic organization GMA Kapuso Foundation, is helping the Filipinos who have no means of livelihood due to the enhanced community quarantine.

If you want to donate, go to gmanetwork.com/kapusofoundation/donate.