By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Jehovah’s Witness Cancer Patient Aunty Esther Declines Life-Saving Blood Transfusion
Popular Nigerian personal shopper and social media personality, Aunty Esther, is back in public discussion after reports emerged that she declined a blood transfusion recommended by her doctors as part of her cancer treatment.
Esther recently revealed that medical tests confirmed cancer in her breast and armpit, and she openly appreciated the outpouring of financial help she received after making her condition public. Her appeal for support gained wide traction, with thousands of Nigerians contributing to her treatment fund.
The donation drive, led by media personality and humanitarian advocate Wisdom Obi-Dickson, known on X as @Wizarab10, successfully pulled in more than ₦30.7 million by December 1, 2025.
But in a surprising turn, Dickson announced that he and another medical volunteer had withdrawn from coordinating her care. He explained that doctors insisted she undergo a blood transfusion before beginning chemotherapy.
However, Esther reportedly turned it down based on her Jehovah’s Witness beliefs, a doctrine that discourages adherents from receiving blood.
Dickson further claimed that Esther was cautioned by church elders about possible disfellowshipping if she accepted the procedure, and that some members of her family maintained that “God’s will should prevail.”
He noted that while her convictions are respected, continuing a fundraiser for treatment she is unwilling to receive puts coordinators in a difficult position.
The development sparked strong reactions across X, with many donors expressing frustration that their contributions might not be used for the recommended medical care.
Some argued that declining a potentially life-saving procedure defeats the purpose of the public campaign.
A well-known online physician added his voice to the conversation, saying donors have the right to feel disappointed. He stressed that rejecting essential treatment in life-threatening circumstances could worsen her condition and appealed to Esther, her relatives, and her religious leaders to reconsider.
The situation has continued to draw mixed emotions as supporters hope she finds a balance between her faith and urgent medical needs.
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