Kris Aquino Prioritizes Health, Confirms Split With Fiance: 'My Sons Still Need Me'

Kris Aquino ends speculations about the status of her relationship with former Interior Secretary Mel Sarmiento, confirming their breakup.

Sharing a series of statements and photos on Instagram on Jan. 3, 2022, Kris revealed that her health "continued to deteriorate" and it has been a major factor in her split with Mel. It was only last October 2021 when the couple announced their engagement.

Based on her post, Kris is choosing to prioritize her health for the sake of her two sons, Joshua and Bimby. Given her autoimmune conditions, the mom of two needs to be extra cautious amid the continuous threat of COVID-19 in the country.

"But in order for me to be able to peacefully move on, and focus on myself and my health, because my sons still need me, Kuya Josh has autism, and Bimb will only turn 18 in 3 years, 3 months, and 16 days, I must end this chapter," read part of Kris statement.

In the succeeding photos from the post, Kris shared screenshots from what she said was Mel's last message to her. There, Mel admits about his "nature who loves to go out" and tells Kris he already "have a bubble fatigue."

Mel then says to Kris, "on that note, with a heavy heart, I accepted your offer of letting me go. For I cannot in conscience be able to accept that something will happen to you brought about my going out of the bubble."

The former politician also accepts Kris' choice to put her role as a mother first before everything else. He went on saying, "I do love you, but I guess this is goodbye for your life is of greatest importance given that you have Bimby and Josh to take care of."

 

What is autoimmune disease?

Healthline describes an autoimmune disease as "a condition in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your body." Because of this faulty signal, even your body's healthy cells are being targeted by your immune system.

In 2018, Kris said she has been diagnosed with chronic spontaneous urticaria, which is a distressing skin condition that causes red, swollen, itchy and sometimes painful hives on the skin, which can persist for at least six weeks or more. 

"I am now, and for the rest of my existence will be, on high dosage antihistamines and having the EpiPen will always be crucial. Severe allergies are life-threatening because of anaphylactic shock," Kris says in her previous post. (Read here)

Even then, Kris would speak of doing her best to remain strong for her kids. "I just want to be healthy enough for the two boys I love most. They still need me to be strong enough for the three of us."

Autoimmune disease and COVID-19

In a Medical News article, Dr. Liji Thomas, MD cited data, which shows "the actual comorbidities that were found more frequently in this group of COVID-19 patients who have pre-existing autoimmune disease include hypertension, chronic kidney disease, heart disease, chronic obstructive lung disease, and the use of blood thinners."

These patients were at high risk of developing respiratory complications. Thomas adds, "overall, therefore, COVID-19 carries a greater risk to this group of patients [immunocpmpromised]."

Studies also suggest for immunicompromised to "conform to mitigation measures to avoid viral transmission while continuing to adhere to their therapeutic regimens" amid COVID-19 threat.

In the same social media post, Kris says she is set to undergo diagnostic tests and treatments after her "drastic weight loss."

For many, this may just be another breakup story. But for parents, it's a reminder of how far a mother would go for the sake of her kids. Kris reminds us of that line from the hit K-Drama series, Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha where the lead character said:

"Do you know what it means to be a good parent? It's staying healthy for a long time."

Click here for pointers on how to minimize the possibility of being a carrier of COVID-19 when leaving the house.