Former actress Aya Medel bares past battle with brain aneurysm

Aya Medel. Images: IMDb, Facebook/Aya Rechie Medel

Aya Medel, a former actress best known as the “Papaya Queen” in the 1990s, revealed that she’s a survivor of brain aneurysm, while thanking God for “another chance to live.”

The actress-turned-chef recalled her bout with brain aneurysm on Facebook on Saturday, Sept. 21.

Her post contained photos of herself being confined at the Cardinal Santos Hospital in San Juan, and enjoying a visit to the Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill PH restaurant in Pasay.

“I am back… Many people are wondering what happened to me, why suddenly I stopped posting, talking to people, and I was gone for months. Yes! I had a brain aneurysm, but I survived,” she wrote.

Medel considered herself as one of the “lucky few” who survived the condition while acknowledging God for her “second chance” at life.

“I know that I am one of the lucky few, and the day-to-day isn’t always so easy. But I planned to live my life to the very fullest. My heart is filled with gratitude. Thank you to all of you. Thank you, Lord for giving me another chance to live. And yes, I am back,” she said.

The former actress thanked her loved ones, medical staff, and the clients of her restaurant Ishiaya’s Garden Bistro for staying with her throughout her recovery in the post.

Without disclosing additional details, Medel also expressed her gratitude to her “fellow mommies” who brought her to the hospital.

A brain aneurysm is caused by a bulged-out artery in the brain which puts pressure on the nerves and brain tissue, per the US’ National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. This leads to hemorrhagic stroke, coma, and death.

Medel started her entertainment career as a model before starring in erotic films. She also appeared in episodes of “Maalaala Mo Kaya” and “Magpakailanman,” as well as “Esperanza” and “Sa Puso Ko Iingatan Ka.”