Zenaida Balisalisa, widow of Amado Balisalisa, told Variety that their ability to bring the remains of her husband back to the Philippines depends on how much money they can raise to pay all their obligations to the hospital and funeral parlor.
“I thanked all those who have shared our sorrows and extended their financial support,” said Mrs. Balisalisa adding that they still need at least $10,000.
She thanked Delta Management of the Shell service station in Guala Rai, where her husband worked, for the financial assistance it provided to their family.
The Coalition of United Workers (NMI) continues to assist the family in raising funds, and is negotiating with an airline company to provide a discounted rate.
McDonald’s management, for its part, will launch a fundraising campaign at Chalan Pale Arnold Road on Saturday.
Ann Olais, McDonald’s general supervisor, said the management and employees of their company will hold a garage sale, a car wash drive and sell hot lunch. Amado Balisalisa’s son, Arnold, works for the fast-food restaurant.
The garage sale and car wash will start at 8 in the morning outside McDonald’s while the hot lunch will be sold s at the Kilili Pavillion.
Irene Tantiado, Coalition of United Workers (NMI) president, said Continental’s management has agreed to provide a “bereavement fare” for the members of the family and a special rate for the remains of Amado Balisalisa.
Tantiado said they able to arrange the special discount through Rose Onadera, Continental Airline’s shipment manager on Guam.
Amado Balisalisa had a fatal heart attack while on his way to Saipan from the Philippines where he underwent a heart by-pass.
On June 18, Continental flight 890 made an emergency landing at the Guam International Airport to take him to the nearest hospital. He was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
