MANILA, Philippines: In a heartfelt Instagram post following her exclusive interview with “King of Talk” Boy Abunda on her birthday, Kris Aquino opened up about her health struggles and reiterated her request for prayers as she continues her treatments in the United States.
In the post, the 53-year-old expressed gratitude to Abunda and GMA Network for allowing her to celebrate her birthday with the Filipino people.
Aquino bravely disclosed her battle with Churg Strauss, a rare autoimmune disease and shared her fear of heart failure and cardiac arrest.
“Yes, because of Churg Strauss I now have cardiomyopathy. This means my heart muscles are having trouble pumping blood due to inflammation, and because of that inflammation, it's exhausting my heart and causing it to begin to fail and ultimately, please pray with me – sana hindi tuluyang sumuko or mag cardiac arrest (I hope it won't give up or have a cardiac arrest),” she wrote.
Known for her transparency, Aquino emphasized the importance of sharing her truth with her supporters and encouraged everyone to hold onto faith.
“Please help me pray for my doctors and my nurses so that God will continue to guide them as they try to heal me. I have always believed in sharing the TRUTH no matter how painful [it is] with all of you. Why? Because sinamahan nyo ako sa laban (you accompanied me in my fight). Sana wag tayong sumuko sa ating pananampalataya na nakikinig ang Diyos sa mga Dasal ng buo ang tiwala sa kanya (Let us keep on believing that God is listening to our prayers that are full of faith),” she continued.
Aquino then expressed her gratitude for her family, particularly her sons Josh and Bimby, as well as her sisters and friends “just in case this is [her] last birthday on earth].
“Thank you Kuya and Bimb for the most precious privilege of being chosen to be your mom. Thank you to my sisters for their love and generosity. Thank you to my small but very close circle of cousins and friends who have shared my life and their lives with me. Thank you to all of you for making all my childhood dreams come true,” she said.
“Pa birthday niyo na please (Please let this be your birthday gift to me). I have a few loved ones and dear friends battling very difficult illnesses as well. Please pray for them, too. I still want to live, I know the odds are against me dahil ang puso hindi pwedeng diktahan pero sana sa tulong ng dasal nyo mabigyan pa ko ng konting extension (because we cannot dictate on the heart but I hope with your prayers, I will be given a little extension). You have my love and eternal gratitude. Happy Valentine's Day. (Year of the pig's lucky and healing colors for 2024,)” Aquino finally ended.
Her post then received numerous support and messages of prayers for the erstwhile “Queen of All Media.”
“Happiest birthday Mare! ️ God is merciful. He is our ultimate healer. Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. 'By His stripes you will be healed' In Jesus Name,” Jinkee Pacquiao commented.
“To a dear friend Kris. A blessed birthday! Nothing is impossible with God! Look at Gary. He just had two stents inserted into his left main artery last Feb 3. Ituloy ang laban (Continue the fight),” Angeli Valenciano said.
“Hi Kris. Claiming God's promises of healing for you. Here's one of them. Psalm 118:17 New International Version I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done,” shared Dyan Castillejo.
Lorna Tolentino said, “Happy Birthday Kris! Healing Prayers.”
“Happy Birthday, Ate Kris! I pray that the Lord grant you full healing. God bless you always,” Chesca Garcia Kramer added.
“Love and prayers to you Kris,” said Vina Morales.
“Happiest bday dear Mare! The Lord bless you and heal you,” Ogie Alcasid mentioned.
“Happy birthday, Kris!,” Aga Muhlach simply said.
In her interview with Abunda, Aquino confirmed she was diagnosed with a fifth autoimmune disease although the doctors did not disclose any direct classification.
Aquino said the next months would be crucial so she once again asks for prayers so she could still be with her two sons Bimby, who is still 16 years old, and Josh who has autism.
