Illness and Fund-raising Efforts
In 2007, Fabella was diagnosed with colon cancer and underwent radiation therapy to combat the disease while still on its early stages.
On February 7, 2008, Ballet Manila undertook a benefit performance for Fabella, called “Ballet Manila Dances Fabella”, at the Star Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, featuring some of the choreographer's most popular works. The media noted the event as "a meaningful tribute to a passionate and indefatigable Filipino artist no balletomane should miss."
Various fund-raising events which were spearheaded by the Quezon City Performing Arts Development Foundation, Inc. (QCPADFI) and the Association of Ballet Academies Philippines (ABAP) were launched to further assist in his treatment.
He underwent three chemo-therapy cycles but the cancer had spread to his kidneys. Fabella succumbed to multiple organ failure at 9:30am on June 4, 2009.
Read more about this topic: Tony Fabella
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