By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
One of the most celebrated coaches in the history of Philippine volleyball, coach Roger Gorayeb announced on Father’s day that he is free of cancer.
Coach Gorayeb was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow region.
Quick to lend a helping hand, the volleyball community united and organized a two-day fund-raising event to help their dear coach cope with medical and hospital expenses.
It was in Gretchen Ho’s website where coach Gorayeb announced his condition after months of intensive medication.
“Meron akong serum test about a month ago, lumabas do’n na negative na ako sa lahat. Parang zero. Cancer-free na. Wala nang signs, wala na akong lesions sa buto ko. Siyempre, ‘yung doctor ayaw pa rin niya sobra maging confident,” said Gorayeb.
Gorayeb, whose name was inked in the PH volleyball history books after steering San Sebastian to 11 straight NCAA titles from 1986 to 1997, also coached and helped shape current PH superstars Alyssa Valdez, Jaja and Dindin Santiago, and Gretchel Soltones.
After coaching San Sebastian, coach Gorayeb transferred to the UAAP and was able to handle Ateneo and National University.
“July 1 ang last session ko. A week after nun, magpapa-test ulit ako. ‘Pag nag-negative uli do’n, maintenance na lang ako. Hopefully, huwag nang bumalik,” coach Gorayeb added.
