By Mariam M. Echevarría for El Vocero

With satisfaction at the surface and emotion represented in tears, Raymond Arrieta completed yesterday the twelfth edition of Da Vida, for cancer patients and the Oncology Hospital, surpassing one million dollars in collections.

"This is like a billion dollars for me. With that money, many patients will be able to have their treatments, their chemotherapy and will not have to suffer more than they are already suffering," said the philanthropist in an interview with EL VOCERO, minutes away from completing his new feat.

The preliminary figure offered was $1,190,708.99, which includes the $600,000 from the sale of the T-shirts and caps in the Me Salvé stores.

"Thanks to the people who came out to cooperate... humble people of our island, who without power, at this moment came out to cooperate and bought the shirt," he said.

The comedian estimates he will reach $1.5 million, considering that the entire phone bank has not yet been accounted for and donations continue to come in. In addition, First Bank accounts will remain open and until Monday, the auction of the treadmill on which he walked, which is going for $12,000, continues.

Surpassing one million at a time when the Covid-19 pandemic is holding back much of the economic activity and many have lost or seen their incomes dwindle, is a sign for Raymond of the solidarity of the people.

Of course I'm still going!

Arrieta reiterated his commitment to the cause and said that in 2021 he will walk again.

"Of course I'm going on! I don't know how it's going to be, if this goes on (the Covid-19), I'll have to get on the treadmill again," he anticipated.

Meanwhile, yesterday when he arrived home, he would celebrate with his family with chilled champagne.

The communicator had to adjust the 12th edition of Da vida, due to the health crisis. Although he could not walk through the streets with the people, he did it on a treadmill since last Monday and until yesterday, in the schedule of Telemundo's Día a Día, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. He completed about 40 miles.

The initiative has raised more than $13 million since it began, which has translated into direct service to patients and improvements to the hospital's facilities, as well as the acquisition of new equipment.

If you wish to make a donation, you can do so at the Da Vida account at Banco Santander, 3004870858 and at Firstbank, 0108004050.