Worker who suffered a stroke finally goes home

A construction worker who was been at the Commonwealth Health Center for three months due to a massive stroke has finally been able to go home to the Philippines.

Vedasto “Jeff” Bucao, 51, was admitted to the hospital on July 27. With the help of the Filipino community, he was able to go home last Oct. 22 via Asiana Airlines. He was able to travel with the use of a stretcher and a nurse escort.

His repatriation was funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs through the Philippine Consulate General in Guam and the Office of the Honorary Consul to the CNMI, Glicerio “Eli” Arago.

However, Bucao’s family also needed financial assistance for his hospitalization and medications in the Philippines, since his brother here on Saipan and another brother in the Philippines also have health issues.

Annamae Adaza, Ethel Rodriguez, and Roman Rodriguez initiated a collection campaign for Bucao and were able to collect $1,846.