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Vanessa Konopka, a 28-year-old German travel influencer, passed away after an agonizing health battle in the Philippines. Her boyfriend, Fernando, announced the news of her death on March 7 via Facebook.
Known to her over 39K Instagram followers as @happinesscrossing, Vanessa was rushed to a private hospital in Kalibo, Philippines, on December 31, 2024, after multiple swellings emerged on her body. Sharing the details on Facebook, Fernando wrote on January 11 that the swellings "made it difficult for her to walk, speak, or even communicate with her family."
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Vanessa Konopka was initially diagnosed with "a damaged and enlarged liver". Fernando explained on Facebook that his girlfriend was not in a stable condition to fly back to Germany, and they also could not afford medical transport. At the time, Fernando revealed their plans to move Vanessa to a public medical facility in Cebu or Manila, if her condition permits.
In a second update shared on January 14, Fernando said doctors also diagnosed Vanessa with pneumonia alongside her prevailing liver condition. He created a fundraiser on GoFundMe for Vanessa's medical expenses. Fernando raised €5,917 through the fundraiser, which is now closed.
Around January 29, Fernando revealed that Vanessa's condition was slowly improving. On February 20, he announced the travel influencer was "out of danger now."
Vanessa reportedly reunited with her mother, who flew to Boracay from Germany. They were going to return to the country for further treatment after a few days, giving Vanessa some more time to regain her health. However, the following health update from Fernando was only to announce Vanessa's passing on March 7.
He spoke about Vanessa's love for the Philippines and making new connections. Addressing his late girlfriend directly in the post, Fernando wrote:
"Kushka, if you are perhaps reading this somewhere, thank you so much for teaching me how to love myself doesn't matter what other people think"
Fernando added:
"She showed me how to love myself, and how to follow my dreams! I will forever love you and we may see each other again."
Vanessa Konopka's health briefly improved before her death
After Vanessa's initial condition that hindered her ability to eat, talk, and walk, on January 18, Fernando updated that the travel influencer's health had "made some progress". He wrote:
"She was finally able to leave her room and get some fresh air, which was a big step. She’s now able to eat, speak normally, and move her hands again."
Although Vanessa's lungs were yet to reach their ideal condition, Fernando said she was to undergo some tests to attain further improvement. Vanessa's hospital bill at the time reportedly reached $120K, excluding the doctor's fees and costs of medicines.
On January 21, Vanessa Konopka shared a video on her Instagram page after a long break from online activities due to her condition. She shared her daily routine at the hospital. Vanessa revealed she removed the oxygen mask for a few minutes after waking up, as it was uncomfortable.
The influencer shared snippets of her meals at the hospital, noting she could not eat more than two meals throughout the day. Another snippet showed Vanessa Konopka sitting outside under the sun in a wheelchair in her hospital gown, and praying. She expressed:
"Buried in hospital and medicine bills I have no idea how to pay"
Despite the challenges, Vanessa thanked the nurses at the facility.
An update on January 29 said she was nearly over pneumonia, and the swelling in her arms, legs, and tongue had gone down a lot. Fernando shared that Vanessa had used a walker the day before.
The 28-year-old was also getting physiotherapy to improve her movement. However, Fernando said her liver was still a concern.
Despite the small signs of progress made for 2 months, Vanessa Konopka's death occurred on March 7. The official cause of death was not disclosed.
According to The Mirror, travel enthusiasts Fernando and Vanessa Konopka met in Australia and settled down on the Boracay island in the Philippines in 2022.
