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Bea Rose SantiagoFilipino actress, model and beauty queen
Date of Birth: 17.02.1990
Country:  Philippines |
Content:
- Bea Rose Santiago: Miss International 2013 and Kidney Advocate
- Chronic Kidney Disease Diagnosis
- Positive Outlook Amidst Health Challenges
- Chronic Kidney Disease
Bea Rose Santiago: Miss International 2013 and Kidney Advocate
Early Life and CareerBea Rose Monterde Santiago was born on February 17, 1990, in Muntinlupa, Philippines. Raised by her grandparents in Cataingan, Masbate, she moved to Canada at age 15. In Canada, she pursued communications at York University and became a model for Elite Model Management.
Santiago competed in the Mutya ng Pilipinas (Pearl of the Philippines) pageant in 2011 and placed among the top 10 in Miss Tourism International (Philippines) in 2012. At age 23, she represented the Philippines at Miss International 2013 in Tokyo, where she was crowned the fifth Filipino woman to win the title, after Gemma Cruz (1964), Aurora Pijuan (1970), Melanie Marquez (1970), and Lara Quigaman (2005).
Chronic Kidney Disease Diagnosis
In August 2018, Santiago publicly shared that she was battling chronic kidney disease, which she attributed to her intensive "fitness lifestyle." After months of dialysis, her condition worsened, necessitating a kidney transplant.
Santiago initially "went into denial" about her diagnosis but later sought consultations in Tokyo. There, Japanese doctors confirmed her Philippine doctors' diagnosis. Appearing on the Philippine television show Balitanghali, she speculated that dietary supplements taken before gym workouts may have played a role in her illness.
Positive Outlook Amidst Health Challenges
Despite her declining health, Santiago remains optimistic. She expressed her belief that "God wants me here," and that He prompted her to seek medical attention when she experienced migraines. She added, "He gave me friends who I can consider angels....I have family members who are willing to share their kidneys with me even without asking."
Santiago encourages her fans to believe in themselves and explains her reasons for sharing her story: "I'm not here to ask for your pity...I'm here to tell you to watch out...I'm lucky to have a lot of people who love me. My weak kidneys can kiss my butt!"
Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD), also known as chronic renal failure, is a gradual loss of kidney function. Kidneys excrete waste and water, help control blood pressure, and produce hormones. As CKD progresses, kidneys fail to function properly, leading to the buildup of harmful substances in the body.
Risk factors for CKD include age, race (especially African Americans and Asians), and certain underlying conditions. CKD often progresses without symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage. Early detection can be achieved through blood and urine tests.
