MY LIFE HAS CHANGED FOREVER- KEMI AFOLABI
By Omowonuola Odusanya
Kemi Afolabi recently disclosed that she has been diagnosed with lupus, an incurable disease that has ‘changed her life forever’ and
Kemi Afolabi made the revelation about her illness in an interview with Chude Jideonwo “WithChude” which was monitored by shoots.ng. She revealed how she was in the hospitals for three months before one of the doctors finally told her the kind of test to run.
“For my first three months at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), I didn’t know what the problem was. We had run a whole lot of tests. Different doctors kept coming, they would ask me questions and I would communicate with them through writing. One of the doctors finally came and he was able to tell me the kind of test I will run. The test was done in South Africa, and it took like two weeks to get the result.” she said
The actress speaking on how the illness has affected her job said, “I was even told that I had to avoid lighting, and that is what pays my bill as an actress. My life just changed forever.”
The actress who has been told that she might not have more than five years to live has continued to surround herself with her loved ones, family and friends.
After the disclosure, professional colleagues and other well meaning Nigerians have come out to lend their prayers and support to the actress, affirming that the actress will not die but live long to do exploits on earth.
Kemi Afolabi is a popular Nollywood actress, producer and scriptwriter. She came into limelight after her first major movie ‘Alagbara’ where she played the lead role. The actress who studied law at the University of Lagos got into acting when she met a movie director Oladele Matti who mistook her for an actress. The fair skinned actress who never had an experience in acting or has ever being in front of the camera was persuaded by Matti to try out acting as she has the body structure and face for it.
She told her parents about it and since she was still job hunting at that moment, she decided to give it a try. It was not an easy trip as the actress was not too sound in the Yoruba language but she learnt the language and earned herself a lead role in her first movie.
The talented actress who is married with a child had a break from acting at some point, but came back into the industry to continue her job like she never left.
Kemi who is a native of Ogun state was born on the 28th April, 1978 in Lagos state. As a child, she attended Tunwase Nursery & Primary School and her secondary school education at A-Z International School and re-took some of her final papers Our Lady of Apostles secondary School at Yaba.
She has starred in so many movies as a guest actor and in her independently produced films which include; Obirin Ale, Oreke Mulero, Omo Pupa, Epic love, Ajantala, first love, and many others.
Kemi Afolabi is a great and talented actor who has made a name for herself in Nollywood. She has gained the loyalty of her fans and continues to be a role model to many people.
Lupus is a disease that occurs when your body’s immune system attacks your own tissues and organs (autoimmune disease). Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems — including joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs.
Lupus can be difficult to diagnose because its signs and symptoms often mimic those of other ailments.
While there’s no cure for lupus, current treatments focus on improving quality of life through controlling symptoms and minimising flare-ups. This begins with lifestyle modifications, including sun protection and diet. Further disease management includes medications.
The cause of lupus in most cases is unknown.
Picture credit- @kemiafolabiadesipe on IG
