Jean Garcia reveals late mother was brought to more than 10 hospitals before being admitted

Jean Garcia has revealed that her late mother Sandra Garcia was brought to more than 10 hospitals before she was finally admitted.

In Aubrey Carampel’s exclusive report, the actress said they didn’t suspect that her mother had the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and they simply wanted to bring her to the hospital because she had a hard time speaking.

Because her mom suffered two strokes in the past, Jean and her family were afraid that she was going to have another stroke and decided to bring her to the hospital.

Although Jean called up hospitals in advance to ask if there were vacant rooms, she said they were all full.

“Puno talaga mga ospital … sa travel ng lahat ng hospital, 2 a.m. umalis mommy ko rito sa bahay. Nakapasok siya 3 p.m. sa Cardinal Santos,” Jean said.

[The hospitals were full ... in the hospitals they went to, she left the house at 2 a.m. She got into Cardinal Santos Medical Center at 3 p.m.]

The actress said that during those 13 long hours, her 70-year-old mother visited more than 10 hospitals. Her mom also had to be tested for the virus to determine if she would need to be placed in a COVID-19 ward.

After two hours, the results came out positive. At first, Jean could not believe it because no one in their house went out except for her mom’s caregiver to buy medicine and groceries.

Her mom took the test a second time, and it again turned out positive.

Jean said they later confirmed that her mom’s caregiver tested positive for the virus. The whole family including the caregiver immediately went into quarantine.

Her mom stayed for three days in the emergency room before a room became available.

The doctor said Sandra’s symptoms were manageable and her lungs were in good condition. She did not need a respirator but she was still asked to stay at the hospital because her creatinine levels were high.

According to the doctor, once her creatinine levels go down, she may be discharged and just quarantine at home.

On the third day, however, Sandra’s condition took a turn for the worse. She developed pneumonia and complications, until she passed away, said Jean.

The actress said she was not able to speak with her mom for the last time because she could hardly speak.

“Napakabait ni Mommy (Mommy was so kind),” Jean said, crying. “Walang meanness sa kanyang katawan (There was no mean bone in her body).”

At present, Jean said none of them at home showed any symptoms as they awaited the end of their quarantine.

“Let's not take COVID-19 for granted na isang taon na siya mahigit. Sorang grabeng arte namin dito sa bahay pero napasok pa rin kami ng COVID,” she said.

[Let’s not take COVID-19 for granted just because it’s been here for more than a year. We’ve been so careful here at home but COVID still got in.]

Thanking everyone who sent their love and prayers for her and her family, Jean advised the public to tell people that they loved them before it’s too late.

“Isipin natin hindi na sarili natin. Isipin ’yung pwede mong mahawaan,” she said.

[Let’s not just think about ourselves. Let’s think about the ones who we can possibly infect.] – Kaela Malig/RC, GMA News