Kris Aquino to return to the Philippines: 'This is now the fight of my life'
Kris Aquino revealed that she is now on her way to return to the Philippines after spending two years in the US to treat her multiple autoimmune diseases.
In an update to her followers on her Instagram account, the Queen of All Media teased a picture of a sky and included an emoji of the US and Philippine flags with an emoji of an airplane in between, appearing to tease that she is now on a flight to her home country.
"I choose to be 100% honest. I arrived in the US with three diagnosed autoimmune conditions, a fourth was confirmed in late June of 2022," Kris began in her caption.
The ones she initially had were Autoimmune Thyroiditis, Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria, Churg Strauss syndrome, which is a rare, complicated form of vasculitis, and Systemic Sclerosis. However, her health further worsened when she was diagnosed with lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis earlier this year.
Kris noted, "We are still waiting for the results of two more autoimmune conditions."
The actress went on to express her gratitude to those supporting her on her health journey before delving more into the reason why she has decided to return to the Philippines after so long.
"The reason I decided to go home is because I need to start my second immunosuppressant infusions in two to three weeks," Kris said, explaining that it’s a "gentler" term for chemotherapy.
"Emotionally, I need the encouragement and unwavering faith my sisters and cousins, closest friends, and trusted team of doctors can provide. Sadly, what was the battle to improve my health is now the struggle to protect my vital organs. This is now the fight of my life," she stressed.
The local star highlighted how her youngest son Bimby Aquino-Yap has been her "source of strength, and God’s biggest blessing" during this time.
"Bawal Sumuko. Tuloy po ang laban," she ended.
In the comments section, many of her fans sent her well-wishes and words of strength for her battle against her illnesses.
"Get well soon. Miracles do happen to those with great faith. I'm sure God will grant your heart's request to be better. We'll continue to pray for you," one user wrote.
Another commented, "We are with you in your fight Ms. Kris. Tuloy ang laban, tuloy tuloy ang prayers. Looking forward to have you back here. Have a safe trip back home Ms. Kris."
Kris first shared her plans about coming back to the Philippines in June. Last July, her son Bimby shared a health update on her health in an interview with The Philippine STAR, saying that Kris is getting better.
"Papunta na po (sa paggaling)," he shared, though he also noted it will take "hard work and dedication."
"The medicine is hard on her. Pero alam nyo naman po—fighter si Mama. She's strong," he previously said.
Kris is battling multiple life-threatening autoimmune diseases and has been undergoing treatment at the UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles since June 2022.