Kris Aquino | Image: Instagram/@krisaquino
After two years of seeking treatment for her autoimmune diseases in the United States, Kris Aquino is flying back home to the Philippines to seek encouragement from her family as she faces more health challenges in what she now calls the “fight of [her] life.”
A picture posted by Aquino’s official fan account showed Aquino onboard a plane, together with some of her companions, including fashion designer and close friend, Michael Leyva.
See you, Manila 🇵🇭 pic.twitter.com/VpJoLEwLAG
— Kris Aquino (@KrisAquinoWORLD) September 12, 2024
While not looking at the camera, the Queen of All Media could be seen in the window seat beside an unidentified male. She was wearing a cream hoodie, with a face mask and eye glasses on. The picture was posted on X by one Merci Cania Gonzales, who has been frequently seen on social media accompanying the Aquinos in California where the actress-host sought treatment for her diseases.
Another picture posted by Gonzales showed Aquino’s companions at the Tom Bradley International Terminal in Los Angeles bound for Manila.
“See you, Manila [Philippine flag],” read the caption of the post.
Needing emotional support
On Instagram on Thursday, Aquino also posted a photo of the USA flag, an airplane emoji, and the Philippine flag as she explained the need for “emotional support” from her loved ones back home because she is set to undergo another chemotherapy.
“The reason I decided to go home is because I need to start my second immunosuppressant infusions in 2-3 weeks (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,” she stated.
Aquino, who’s now battling with six autoimmune diseases, emphasized that she is trying to keep her viral organs intact.
“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 declared.
At present, Aquino is nursing six autoimmune diseases: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis; chronic spontaneous urticaria; Churg-Strauss or allergic granulomatosis; systemic sclerosis; lupus; and, rheumatoid arthritis. She said her doctors are still waiting for the results of 2 more autoimmune conditions.
The 53-year-old actress-host did not disclose the exact date of her arrival in the Philippines but said that she will post a “longer gratitude post” once she sets foot in the country with her youngest son Bimby, because her eldest, Josh, is still set to stay abroad for a few more weeks.
Leaving behind a lucrative showbiz career, Aquino moved to the California in the US in 2022 to find treatment for autoimmune diseases and restore her health. While in America, she found love twice, and even got engaged, before deciding to break it off after a few weeks.
In June, Aquino first shared her desire to return to the country before Christmas this year.
“I’m holding on to that belief na bago matapos ang September, nandyan na ako [sa Pilipinas],” she told Ogie Diaz in an interview at the time.
Aquino also shared she is waiting for the results of two more autoimmune conditions as she thanked everyone for their support and continuous prayers.