When Laurina Adeleye tied the knot with her husband Taiwo and he promised to stand by her in ‘sickness and in health,’ neither of them expected that to be put to the test so quickly.
But just three weeks after they wed in September 2024, Adeleye, 33, from Washington DC, received the harrowing news that she was battling a terminal illness and had just 60 days left to live.
It was hard for her to accept, especially because she and Taiwo were just beginning their lives together.
‘In a split second, every plan I had ever prayed for – growing old together, having children, just the simple beauty of a long life – all vanished as I heard the words from the doctor: “You don’t have much time left, maybe a couple of months,”‘ she told the Daily Mail.
‘My heart dropped. I had just gotten married. I had just danced with my husband. I had just celebrated with everyone I love. And now I was being told I might not make it to see my 32nd birthday.’
Adeleye, who chose not to share her exact diagnosis for privacy reasons, said there were a few warning signs she wished she hadn’t overlooked.
She said she had been suffering from bloating and stomach pain, and her energy levels were ‘really low’ in the weeks leading up to her nuptials.
But she ultimately ‘dismissed’ her symptoms and decided she’d go see a doctor after her wedding and honeymoon were over.Â
Just three weeks after tying the knot with her husband Taiwo, Laurina Adeleye, 33, received the harrowing news that she was battling a terminal illness and had just 60 days left to live
Despite her bleak prognosis, Adeleye started treatment and in the weeks that followed, she dropped from 115 pounds to a mere 80 pounds
‘I knew something was wrong, but I was hoping it could wait until after the wedding. I never imagined receiving the news I heard,’ she added.
Almost immediately after she returned from her honeymoon, however, Adeleye said her ‘health declined significantly’ so she went to the hospital to get checked out.
She was then given the devastating diagnosis and told she would likely be dead within two months.
‘One moment I was riding the ultimate high of marrying the love of my life. The next, I was in a hospital gown hooked up to machines, going through six blood transfusions and emergency surgery, diagnosed with a terminal illness,’ she reflected.Â
‘It’s like your wildest dreams and your worst nightmare colliding at the same time. Both are real. You can’t un-feel the joy and you can’t escape the devastation. You just have to sit inside both at once.’
Despite her bleak prognosis, Adeleye started treatment and in the weeks that followed, she dropped from 115 pounds to a mere 80 pounds.
‘When I looked in the mirror, I didn’t recognize myself. [I was] just skin and bones,’ Adeleye said.
She ultimately spent four weeks in the intensive care unit and against all odds, she beat the disease.
She said she had been suffering from bloating and stomach pain, and her energy levels were ‘really low’ in the weeks leading up to her nuptials. But she ultimately ‘dismissed’ her symptoms and decided she’d go see a doctor after her wedding and honeymoon were over
‘I survived, and now I get to tell this story,’ she reflected.Â
Initially, Adeleye said she wanted to keep her health battle private, but she decided to start posting about it online earlier this year in the hopes of inspiring other people.
She now has over 19,000 followers on Instagram, where she often reflects on her journey.
‘I realized I had to be a voice for the people sitting in the dark, paralyzed by their own silence,’ she shared.Â
‘The response has been a whirlwind. So many people came forward who were battling their own illnesses, their own hardships, their own moments of feeling like the end was near.Â
‘I carried so much shame and I’m glad I finally decided to share openly. I’m grateful my pain turned into purpose and that what I went through can now be a lifeline for someone else, the same way my own words became mine.’
She ultimately spent four weeks in the intensive care unit and against all odds, she beat the disease. She’s seen with her partner
Her message to others? Don’t take anything for granted.
‘I want people to know… you don’t have as much time as you think. Get right with God. Be obedient to what he is telling you to do. Love on your people. Chase your dreams. Don’t take the simple things for granted, like breathing without pain, showering yourself, brushing your teeth, etc.,’ she stressed.Â
‘Those are things I took for granted until I lost the ability to do them on my own. Now that I have been restored, I live every day thanking God for every little thing.
‘[And remember that] the worst news you’ve ever received does not mean it’s the end or the final word.
‘I was given a second chance and I’m living it differently now. I’m no longer willing to suffer in silence. I’m no longer willing to hide my gifts. I’m no longer willing to let fear dictate my decisions.’
