Kelly Ronahan gained widespread attention by sharing her story on the internet, but over time, questions arose regarding the authenticity of her situation.
At the start of 2019, her legs were seemingly normal, but by May 2021, she underwent a drastic change with the amputation of both legs.
The poignant narrative of Kelly Ronahan: Munchausen syndrome or a case of misdiagnosis?
2014-2016: Blood transfusions and an undiagnosed condition
In 2014, Kelly gained fame on Instagram due to a rare blood disease requiring weekly blood transfusions. Despite numerous transfusions and a decline in her hemoglobin count, the cause remained elusive.
By March 2016, she had received an astonishing 95 liters of blood from over 55 donors. Despite her deteriorating health, she continued to garner support online, even joining a blood donation organization to encourage others.
At times, she attributed her condition to multiple sclerosis and uterine fibroids, but with limited supporting evidence.
2016: Seizures and hospitalizations
In July 2016, Ronahan was hospitalized for seizures, but suspicions arose when doctors found that she was feigning them. Despite revelations, her followers organized blood drives and offered unwavering support throughout 2016.
Kelly’s legs before the onset of her condition (date unknown)
2017: Inflammation, sepsis, and eating disorders
Early in 2017, Kelly faced complications with her port, leading to sepsis. She also disclosed struggles with eating disorders, and although she claimed self-harm prior to her illness, the scars did not align with a three-year-old timeline.
Speculation increased when tests in April 2017 revealed a normal hemoglobin count, challenging the authenticity of her rare condition. Kelly, however, dismissed these suspicions by accusing the doctor of conspiring against her.
By 2018, rumors of her feigning the illness had gained significant traction, leading to the removal of her port in April 2018 due to the cessation of blood transfusions.
2018-2019: Leg issues and autoimmune disease diagnosis (Image and Video)
In 2018, Ronahan’s mysterious leg condition surfaced, marked by swelling, blisters, and unexplained wounds. Her condition worsened as she impulsively picked at the wounds, claiming unbearable pain that doctors refused to address.
By 2019, she received a diagnosis of an autoimmune disease and underwent skin grafts in hopes of improvement. However, Kelly returned to the hospital after aggravating the wounds on her legs.
Photo edited to enhance apparent damage (distorted wall)
Multiple experts examined her case, yet none could conclusively diagnose her condition. Over time, Kelly reported a loss of sensation in her legs and ankles.
2021: Kelly Ronahan undergoes leg amputation
Eventually, doctors recommended amputation as a last resort, with one of her toes having already fallen off by then.
Photo posted by Kelly on Instagram a day before her amputation
In May 2021, Kelly underwent a leg amputation in a desperate bid to save her life.
Where is Kelly Ronahan Today?
As of the latest updates, there is no publicly known information about Kelly’s whereabouts since her surgery. Her social media activity has decreased, but she expressed intentions of getting prosthetics, likely to update her followers on her progress.
