But after decades of bringing joy to others through his music, Rebaño now needs your help. He recently underwent a below-the-knee amputation on his right leg and is in need of RM23,000 to settle his medical bills.
“It started with gangrene in my second toe. Then, it spread to the other toes until the entire foot turned black,” Rebaño, who has diabetes, told FMT Lifestyle.
Despite being administered strong antibiotics, he recalled, the aggressive infection persisted. Even after the second toe was amputated, his condition continued to worsen.
To improve his blood circulation, Rebaño underwent an angioplasty to open three arteries in his right leg. “But they were only able to open one artery,” he said.
As the infection spread, doctors recommended amputating the leg. To compound matters, Rebaño began experiencing heart problems and is now on medication for it.
There’s also concern that the infection could spread to his kidneys, liver and lungs. As a result of this, Rebaño endured a difficult 20 days in and out of the hospital, before finally returning home on last Tuesday.
As a diabetic who has suffered two strokes, Rebaño has been unable to obtain insurance coverage. He shared that he had to pay RM5,000 out of pocket for the angioplasty alone.
He now faces ongoing expenses for medications as well as follow-up appointments with a urologist, cardiologist and vascular specialist. He also requires regular physiotherapy and daily dressing of his wound.
Rebaño, who hails from the Philippines, has lived in Malaysia since the 1980s and will turn 70 in October. A former pianist and arranger with Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s orchestra, he has played for well-known artistes such as Hetty Koes Endang, Sheila Majid, Sharifah Aini, Zain Azman, Ning Baizura and Salamiah Hassan.
Throughout his 50-year music career, he has also performed with American percussionist Willie Bobo, legendary Welsh singer Shirley Bassey and the iconic American vocal group, The Platters.
Rebaño, who enjoys nurturing young talent, has been a full-time lecturer at University College Sedaya International and Akademi Seni Budaya dan Warisan Kebangsaan (Aswara). He has also taught part-time at the International College of Music.
He has been living with diabetes since 1996, and over time, his condition has caused neuropathy, which is nerve damage that results in pain, numbness, weakness or tingling in parts of his body.
Last year, a series of infections in his left leg due to progressive neuropathy led to an angioplasty and the amputation of all his left toes.
To help with medical costs, a benefit concert was held on Nov 3 last year at the Kind A Blue Club and Restaurant at the KL Jazz and Arts Centre. It was a sold-out event – a testament to the love and support Rebaño continues to receive from many.
Due to his condition, he is presently unable to perform or give music lessons. Still, he remains hopeful for the future, drawing strength from his faith.
“I definitely need assistance with this. I’m positive that God and people will help me,” he shared.
If you can help, send Willie Rebaño a WhatsApp message at 012-279 5317.