Evangeline Lilly has shared a troubling health update following a traumatic incident in Hawaii. On January 2, 2023, the actress known for her roles in *Ant-Man and the Wasp* and *Lost* revealed that she has been diagnosed with brain damage after fainting and falling onto a boulder during a visit to the state.
In an Instagram post, Lilly disclosed the results of her medical evaluations, stating, “Verdict’s in… I do have brain damage from my (traumatic brain injury).” She expressed a mixture of relief and concern, noting that her cognitive decline was not solely a result of peri-menopause. “Comforting to know my cognitive decline isn’t just peri-menopause, discomforting to know what an uphill battle it will be to try to reverse the deficiencies,” she added.
Lilly shared a video recorded on January 1, 2023, where she explained that medical scans showed extensive impairment. “Almost every area in my brain is functioning at a decreased capacity,” she said, underscoring the severity of her condition. Despite the daunting diagnosis, Lilly remains committed to understanding the full extent of her injury and pursuing recovery.
History of Health Issues
The incident in Hawaii was not Lilly’s first encounter with health challenges. In a May 30, 2022, essay published on Substack, she discussed her longstanding issues with unexplained fainting episodes, which began in childhood. Initially evaluated for epilepsy, she was later diagnosed with hypoglycemia without undergoing formal testing.
Lilly reflected on her experiences, noting, “For a good chunk of my life, I went with that – hypoglycemia.” However, as she aged and underwent extensive blood work, this explanation became increasingly insufficient. “What was interesting was how, even after a 12-hour fast, even after blacking out, my glucose levels never came back as low. Hypoglycemia, it seemed, was being ruled out,” she explained.
This history of unexplained episodes left her with a sense of uncertainty, as her husband, Norman Kali, observed that she appeared lifeless during these occurrences.
Focus on Recovery
Following the confirmation of her cognitive decline, Lilly made a conscious decision to slow down and prioritize rest at the end of 2022. She described this shift as a surprisingly peaceful period, stating, “I think this was the calmest, most restful Christmas holiday I have had, maybe since I had children. So 14 years ago. So that’s a good thing.”
Expressing gratitude for her life and career, Lilly remarked, “Feeling extraordinarily grateful and blessed to be able to play one more day, one more year on this beautiful living planet.”
As she embarks on the challenging journey of recovery, Lilly’s candid updates have resonated with many, highlighting the importance of awareness regarding health issues that can affect anyone, regardless of their public persona. Her commitment to understanding and addressing her condition serves as a reminder of the resilience required in the face of adversity.
Through her experience, Lilly not only sheds light on her personal struggles but also encourages others who may be facing similar health challenges to seek support and remain hopeful.
