Cancer patient ‘AuntieEsther’ dies after refusing blood transfusion

A Nigerian cancer patient and social media personality, Mensah Omolola, popularly known as AuntieEsther on X (formerly Twitter), has died after a widely publicised battle with the disease.

Her passing was confirmed on Saturday, December 27, 2025, by media supporter #AUNTYMUSE_, who had been closely involved in her care.

AuntieEsther’s case drew intense national attention in recent months when she publicly refused a blood transfusion that doctors recommended as part of her cancer treatment, citing her religious beliefs as a member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Her decision sparked widespread debate across social media about faith, medical ethics, and patient choice.

Nigerians had rallied to support her care, raising over ₦30 million through public donations coordinated by charity advocate Wisdom Obi-Dickson, known as #Wizarab10 on X.

Despite the funds and medical advice, AuntieEsther and her family chose treatment options that avoided blood transfusion in line with her beliefs.

Earlier updates shared on her social media accounts indicated that her cancer was confined to her breast and armpit areas, and doctors had recommended boosting her blood levels before starting chemotherapy.

However, she opted for alternative methods to increase her blood count without transfusion.

Reactions to her death have been widespread on social media, with many expressing sadness, reflecting on her story, and continuing discussions about the balance between religious conviction and medical interventions.