Nollywood actress, Kemi Afolabi, has cried for help from Nigerians after battling a terminal illness, Lupus, that costs her millions of Naira weekly for treatments since January 21, 2021.
In an interview with media personality, Chude Jideonwo, the actress revealed that she had been diagnosed with lupus and she has just five more years to live.
Lupus is a disease that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks tissues and organs.
“I have lupus. It’s not curable. You just have to take medications for the rest of your life. At a point I was exhausted after spending so much, I said i will stop and just wait for death to come ….but I brazed up for my daughter and have to continue spending the N1.2million on the medication doze weekly to survive….I have sold my cars, property, capital for business etc…..and Funke Akindele has been helpful, Toyin Abraham, Mercy Aigbe and others reached out and have been there…but I still need more support to be able to continue with my medication…”
Quoting her doctor, she said, “Make sure you are with your loved ones. At least, you still have up to five years.”
Esabod Global News recalls that earlier in January, Afolabi took her fans by surprise when she said she had written her will and booked a space at the cemetery.
In an Instagram post, she wrote, “I wrote my will and booked a space with ebony vault this year 2021 but God showed me how faithful he is despite my unfaithfulness. Who am I that God is so mindful of my existence? Me, ordinary sand? That was a toss around from a private hospital to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, to Army barracks hospital WAEC and finally LUTH where I spent over three months!
“Finally, I was diagnosed with a condition that has no cure but can be managed by medications and takes me in and out of the hospital at will (SLE). Fluid blocked my lungs, affected my heart from functioning well which was the reason for my breathlessness and that is caused by the condition diagnosed! Surgery was the only option to drain out the fluid fast.”
I am going through same thing. I am Lupus SLE patient. I was diagnosed 2019. I also had surgery of my heart and left lung few months after I gave birth to my Son( I gave birth to him at six month). I am unable to take my meds because of money issues. I lost my job during covid, husband left me that he is no longer interested in the marriage, going to three years now. I look up to God everyday for survival.
I wish more awareness can be created especially for those of us who can’t afford the drugs.