Cecilia Bolocco and her serious illness: a simple cold could have been fatal

Cecilia Bolocco's health sparked a wave of concern after images surfaced showing her in a wheelchair leaving a clinic in Santiago. Far from being a simple ailment, the former Chilean model faced a serious, silent illness for years that severely limited her daily life.

During an interview on the program Viviana en Vivo (El Trece), Chilean journalist Mario Solís revealed that Bolocco had been battling a condition called neutropenia for some time, a little-known but high-risk disorder.

A complex diagnosis and a silent struggle

This disease drastically reduces the number of neutrophils, white blood cells essential for the body's defense against infections. As a result, any virus, bacteria, or even a simple respiratory infection could have triggered a severe episode.

"A common cold could have been fatal for her," Solís stated as he detailed the risks the former Miss Universe was exposed to. He also explained that he obtained direct information from the clinics where Bolocco underwent her treatments.

Controversy over the images and Bolocco's explanation

The images of Cecilia in a wheelchair and looking visibly thin sparked all kinds of speculation. According to Solís, the host tried to explain the situation as part of a "campaign" that never materialized publicly.

However, Bolocco broke her silence and shared her version on the program Podemos Hablar (Chilevisión). She clarified that those photos were from a medical outing, but that it was not a critical situation.  "I underwent some tests for a health condition that is not serious, although it does require constant monitoring," she said.

She also insisted that those images were used to raise awareness about a much broader issue. "I have a foundation that works on cancer. In Chile, it is the leading cause of death. There are more than 17,000 people waiting for oncological care. That is what's urgent," she stated emphatically.

Bolocco appeared moved by the public's interest in her personal health, but also critical of the lack of response to a collective health crisis. "Why isn't there the same concern for those 17,000 people?" she asked pointedly.

The former Miss Universe, who now enjoys better health, made it clear that her true focus is on raising awareness of the health crisis and generating real empathy for those who lack her visibility or resources to face serious illnesses.