When Nollywood actress Kemi Afolabi found herself gasping for air and unable to eat or drink, the reality of a life-threatening diagnosis bore down on her with relentless force. In an emotional interview on Doyin Kukoyi TV, she revealed how lupus—a complex autoimmune disease—led her to make some of the most profound decisions of her life: she purchased a burial site and drafted her will, convinced her time was up. But, as she puts it, “God said it was not yet time to go.” (The Nation Newspaper)
Lupus, in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, manifested in her case with excruciating joint pain—pain she described as “more intense than childbirth.” Initially, several misdiagnoses followed, delaying the correct identification of her condition until she sought help abroad. (The Nation Newspaper)
Despite the searing intensity of the ordeal, it was divine grace and the unwavering support of her loved ones that buoyed Afolabi through that season of despair. “I survived with the power of God, the support of my family, friends and colleagues,” she recounted. (The Nation Newspaper)
Today, while lupus remains incurable, she continues her fight—managing the disease through daily medication and regular treatments overseas. A testament to her strength: she has significantly scaled back her exposure to acting lights, aware that stress and bright lighting can aggravate her condition. (The Nation Newspaper)
Afolabi’s story is not just one of suffering, but of transformation. From the moment she believed the end was near to now, when she fights on, she embodies resilience. Her reflection resonates deeply: “I had never heard of [lupus] till I experienced it,” she shares, reminding us all how illness can enlighten us to truths unspoken. (The Nation Newspaper)
Reflection
Afolabi’s journey underscores the importance of early awareness and diagnosis of autoimmune conditions like lupus. Her experience highlights how critical emotional and community support can be during life’s darkest chapters. Her continuing resilience—choosing to live and adapt, even under chronic illness—offers hope and strength not just to herself, but to anyone facing a similar fight.
Despite the searing intensity of the ordeal, it was divine grace and the unwavering support of her loved ones that buoyed Afolabi through that season of despair. “I survived with the power of God, the support of my family, friends and colleagues,” she recounted. (The Nation Newspaper)
Today, while lupus remains incurable, she continues her fight—managing the disease through daily medication and regular treatments overseas. A testament to her strength: she has significantly scaled back her exposure to acting lights, aware that stress and bright lighting can aggravate her condition. (The Nation Newspaper)
Afolabi’s story is not just one of suffering, but of transformation. From the moment she believed the end was near to now, when she fights on, she embodies resilience. Her reflection resonates deeply: “I had never heard of [lupus] till I experienced it,” she shares, reminding us all how illness can enlighten us to truths unspoken. (The Nation Newspaper)
Reflection
Afolabi’s journey underscores the importance of early awareness and diagnosis of autoimmune conditions like lupus. Her experience highlights how critical emotional and community support can be during life’s darkest chapters. Her continuing resilience—choosing to live and adapt, even under chronic illness—offers hope and strength not just to herself, but to anyone facing a similar fight.
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