Lagos Cancer Patient Dies After Rejecting Blood Transfusion Despite Public Donations.
Mensah Omolola, a 38-year-old Lagos resident better known on social media as Auntie Esther, has passed away following a long battle with breast cancer.
The devoted Jehovah's Witness refused a recommended blood transfusion on religious grounds, even as generous Nigerians rallied to raise over ₦30 million for her treatment.Omolola's story first captured national attention late last year when a heartfelt video appeal highlighted her urgent need for funds to begin chemotherapy at Lakeshore Cancer Centre in Lagos. Supporters, led by charity advocate Wisdom Obi-Dickson (known online as Wizarab10) and caregiver Aunty Muse, quickly mobilized, exceeding their fundraising goal with donations pouring in from across the country.Doctors advised a transfusion to stabilize her blood levels ahead of treatment, but Omolola stood firm in her faith, opting instead for alternative methods like injections and supplements to boost her count.
This choice sparked heated debates online—some praised her conviction, while others questioned the use of public funds when key medical recommendations were declined.In the end, she pursued a longer, costlier non-transfusion path that aligned with Jehovah's Witnesses' beliefs prohibiting blood products.
Tragically, her condition worsened, and her death was quietly announced on X over the weekend. Obi-Dickson shared a somber note: "It is well. Peaceful rest to her." Aunty Muse added simply, "Rest on, Aunty Esther."The news has reignited conversations about the delicate intersection of faith, medicine, and personal choice in Nigeria.
Many expressed grief and admiration for her resolve, while others reflected on the broader challenges of cancer care. Omolola's journey touched countless lives, reminding everyone of the profound generosity—and complexities—that emerge in times of crisis.
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