While the holidays are often a time of celebration, the end of the year has been especially challenging for “Love Island” winner Amaya Espinal. She took to X to bravely share an update on her health after being rushed to the hospital for the second time this month.
GettyThe reality star, 25, shared with her fans that she was preparing to be discharged after being rushed to the hospital after a medical emergency. “Between the papayas and I, I got hospitalized again. But I am getting discharged today, thank God,” Amaya wrote on December 29.
Chronic Illness Forces Amaya to Miss Holidays & Step Back Online
Amid her health battles and hospitalizations, the reality star also opened up about why she chose to be away from social media. Amaya explained to her fans that it has been because of her health battles, referring to it as “chronic illness.”
“Unfortunately, I have a chronic illness that I am now trying to navigate how to function in my new life with it. I never mean to go MIA, and I try my best to be on top of content,” she wrote on X.
Amaya reflected on the emotional toll her health journey has taken.
“I get questions like why did I go MIA, I love talking to you guys and making a X made me realized how connected I love being with connected you guys.
“I appreciate my papayas for understanding that I never mean to go MIA,” she wrote.
She also opened up about how the illness upended what was meant to be a meaningful holiday season, as she continues to manage painful flare-ups.
“Girl my mind is all over the place. I missed the holidays because of this. I’m trying to be grateful but man these flares up are painful guys…. Thank you, guys, for being there for me,” Amaya posted.
Fans Rally Around the Love Island Star During Recovery
Fans flooded the star with encouraging comments and messages of love and support.
One fan responded: “Please take care of yourself, your health comes first 💗 I have a chronic illness too, we need more rest than most ppl!! sending you all the good energy 💖💖”
Another fan shared: “Your health comes first, and that’s what’s most important to us! As someone with a chronic illness too, it’s hard to navigate, but I’m glad you didn’t have to stay long in the hospital this time <3.”
Another comment of support read: “omg as someone with lupus, fatigue alone can be a huge battle. We know some fans get over excited cause they love you so much but always always always put yourself first and set boundaries. 💗 🫂”
Even amid some of her most difficult days, Amaya found moments of humor during her hospital stay. She shared a photo from her hospital room showing stacks of empty apple juice containers beside her bed, giving fans a closer glimpse at her days as she continues to navigate a challenging health battle.
“Me, my GI issues, my papayas, and my apple juice against the world xxx,” she joked.
Emergency Surgery & Life After Love Island USA
GettyEarlier this month, TMZ reported that Amaya was rushed to the hospital after experiencing “severe abdominal pain” and underwent emergency surgery.
While doctors did not publicly disclose the cause of her symptoms, she was reported to be in stable condition while under close medical supervision.
The report stated that at the time of the medical emergency, Amaya was in Los Angeles filming Season 2 of the “Love Island” spinoff, “Beyond the Villa.”
Amaya’s time on Season 7 of “Love Island USA” ended in victory alongside Casa Amor bombshell Bryan Arenales. While they shared the $100,000 prize, their relationship lasted only a short time after the show, as they parted ways soon after.
As per US Weekly, in her statement at the time, Amaya wrote on social media that the two “were on two different journeys” and wished Bryan “the best.”
Among the season’s finalists, only Nic Vansteenberghe and Olandria Carthen remain together. The other couples went their separate ways following the show, with several confirming breakups in the weeks after the finale.
