Pinot had a stroke, friends raise funds as an expression of love
Pinot (real name Wahyu Ichwandardi), an Indonesian animator who is now working abroad, reportedly suffered a stroke and is currently in a coma.
This news was relayed by Pinot’s wife Dita Ichwandardi through her Twitter account, @ditutu on 25 June. Her tweet shook up the Indonesian entertainment world.
After all, it happened in the blink of an eye. "That night (Thursday), Papin (Pinot’s nickname from his children) asked to be photographed reading TinTin. He said ‘wis tuwek (old) but still reads’. Who would have thought that early Friday Papin had a stroke," wrote Dita.
The illness left the animator in a very poor condition. Dita wrote, “His condition is very poor. He is on life support right now.”
Pinot, whose works are popular on Vine, suffered a stroke right on the graduation day of his daughter, Arwen. Arwen chose not to attend the graduation ceremony and looked after her younger siblings at home, while her mother took care of her husband in the hospital.
In response to this, Pinot’s friends and family did a fundraising as a token of love for Pinot and his family.
The fundraising was initiated by financial planner Ligwina Hananto along with Alanda and Timmy, as stated on the twitter account @mrshananto on 29 June. Fashion maker Andini Wijendaru also opened a similar donation.
"The family did not ask for donations. This is the initiative of some friends who care about their family. You can choose where you want to donate. It’s up to you. Do it in goodwill. So that the burden of their family can be eased," wrote Ligwina.
"We are heartbroken by the news. But our personal messages, prayers and support gave strength to his family. Now we hope for a miracle. We want to help him and his family during this difficult time because he has been a light to all of us.”
"As family and friends have expressed a desire to contribute, this fundraising is to help his family ease their burden during this challenging time. We all love him and continue to pray for his health," she added.
The call for donations is made through the Kitabisa and GoFundMe applications. As of 30 June, the total donations reached $8,630 or equivalent to Rp128.2 million. The donation is expected to reach $100,000 or equivalent to Rp1.48 billion.
On 3 July, Ligwina gave an update about the donation. In three days, they have raised Rp244 million, above the set target of Rp200 million. She said that more than 3,500 people have donated, and donations are still open for the next 17 days.
In her tweet, Ligwina expressed gratitude for the prayers and love for Pinot, Ditut and their children. She also reported that she had an online meeting with the animator's mother and sisters. Ligwina also provided a donation link at kitabisa.com/loveforpinot for netizens who want to donate in goodwill and to ease the burden of the Pinot family.