Veteran Nollywood actress and pastor, Apostle Eucharia Anunobi, has opened up about the emotional journey of losing her son after years of battling Sickle Cell Disease.
Speaking during an appearance on the Honest Brunch Podcast, the actress recounted how her son’s health struggles began at a very young age. According to her, the first signs appeared shortly before he turned one, when he suddenly fell ill and was taken to the hospital for medical examination.
Tearfully recalling that moment, she said, “Just before my son was one year old, he fell ill, and I took him to the hospital. They checked his genotype and said he was SS, and there started the battle of my life.”
Following the diagnosis, the actresss explained that she committed herself fully to understanding the condition and finding ways to manage it effectively. She said she explored various options, including medication, herbal remedies, and intensive research into the needs of children living with the condition.
“I started going everywhere. I started looking for medication, reading about herbs and studying everything about what it means to take care of an SS child.”
She added that caring for her son required strict lifestyle adjustments to protect his health, especially from environmental triggers.
“I started understanding that they can’t stay where there is dust or where there is heat. My son never drank pure water,” she shared.
Eucharia Anunobi further revealed that she took extra precautions, ensuring her son stayed indoors during certain periods, consumed only bottled water, and maintained a healthy diet. She also invested heavily in his medical care and stayed closely connected with him at all times.
“I spent millions just to ensure his well-being. I was always on the phone with him when I travelled or was outside the house, just to make sure he was fine and safe,” she said.
According to the thespian, her son’s condition was relatively stable between the ages of seven and fourteen, with minimal hospital visits. However, things took a tragic turn when he was 16 years and five months old. She explained that although he appeared healthy, she took him to the hospital for a routine check-up.
During the visit, a doctor inquired about his medical history, particularly whether he had previously undergone a blood transfusion. After confirming that he had, another transfusion was recommended to improve his blood levels.
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Anunobi recounted that a critical error occurred during the process. She said that after returning with the required blood, she discovered that a student doctor had mistakenly withdrawn three pints of her son’s blood instead of administering the transfusion.
She explained that her son later developed jaundice, and his condition deteriorated rapidly following the incident, which eventually led to his passing.
Despite the painful loss, the actress described the years she spent raising her son as deeply meaningful and fulfilling.
“I’m grateful that God gave me the opportunity to be a mother. The joy of having nurtured a child for 16 years, six months and 22 days — those years were one of the most glorious years of my life,” she said.
Anunobi added that the experience ultimately strengthened her faith and brought her closer to God.
“I’m grateful to God for making me a mother, and I learnt so much in the course of taking care of him. It deepened my relationship with God.”
