‘Twisted’ author Jessica Zafra hospitalized

(Updated 7:25 a.m., May 29) Philippine-based author and online personality Jessica Zafra was hospitalized at the Makati Medical Center late Monday night after being found “conscious but disoriented” on the staircase of her apartment building, according to a post from friend and writer Ramon Sunico, as quoted by fellow writer Joel Pablo Salud in a Facebook post.

“Initial diagnosis indicated that she did not suffer a stroke, but was dehydrated, which resulted in an electrolyte imbalance. CT and MRI scans show some inflammation of the brain, which may be due to an infection. She is now undergoing neurological observation,” states the post.

The post goes on to say that, “Her only sister Cookie (Cheryl) is there for her, but this is a call to all her friends to pitch in and do what they can: every little bit helps. As is the case with almost all artists who work freelance, Jessica does not have health insurance. Those who would like to make a donation towards Jessica's hospitalization and medical care can deposit directly into Cookie's Security Bank account, which is under the name of Cheryl Ann Grace Z. de Jesus.”

Fellow author Danton Remoto also posted about Zafra's condition, with more complete donation information.

“JUST IN (from Cookie, Jessica's sister): Jessica is regaining consciousness, asking questions about her condition, and trying to piece together what happened yesterday. Neuro is asking math problems and she is responding. Short term memory still fuzzy,” Remoto said.

Zafra is a columnist at Interaksyon.com and a three-time Palanca award winner for the Short Fiction Category. She is the author of the “Twisted” books as well as “500 People You Meet in Hell,” and edits an annual literary journal called “Manila Envelope.”

This incident comes two days after Zafra posted about having “the worst flu we've ever had” on her personal blog. — Vida Cruz/BM/KG, GMA News