Aunty Esther dies after refusing blood transfusion following cancer struggle

Mensah Omolola, popularly known on X as Aunty Esther, has died after battling cancer and refusing recommendations on treatment from her doctors.

Reports say support for her treatment poured in from across Nigeria, with donations nearing ₦30 million.

The fundraising effort was coordinated by Wisdom Obi-Dickson, also known as @Wizarab10, who later confirmed that ₦30.7 million had been raised by December 1, 2025.

Throughout her illness, Aunty Esther remained vocal online, explaining that medical examinations showed the cancer was restricted to her breast and armpit regions.

She disclosed that doctors were ready to begin chemotherapy but insisted her blood levels had to be stabilised first.

Rather than accept a blood transfusion, which conflicted with her beliefs as a Jehovah’s Witness, she and her family chose alternative medical options.

“My organs inside fine. Doc say she want to start chemotherapy but I go take injection,” she wrote, adding that they were pursuing other methods to improve her blood count.

She repeatedly expressed appreciation to Nigerians who stood by her, publicly thanking those who championed the fundraising effort and prayed for her recovery.

As her condition progressed, further details emerged through Obi-Dickson, who revealed that doctors had outlined two treatment paths: one involving a transfusion that was medically simpler and within budget, and another that avoided blood use but required more time and resources.

According to him, Aunty Esther was also warned by her church that accepting a transfusion could result in disciplinary action, including disfellowship.

She ultimately chose the non-transfusion option, staying aligned with her religious convictions.

Her death was later announced by media personality AUNTYMUSE_, who had consistently supported her during her treatment, bringing an end to a journey that had sparked empathy, debate, and reflection nationwide.