Evangeline Lilly has revealed a significant health concern following a traumatic accident in Hawaii. The actor, known for her roles in Ant-Man and the Wasp and Lost, announced on January 2, 2025, that she has been diagnosed with brain damage after fainting and falling onto a boulder. In a candid social media update, Lilly shared the details of her diagnosis and the implications it has for her health.
In a video recorded on January 1, Lilly explained that brain scans indicated widespread impairment. “Almost every area in my brain is functioning at a decreased capacity,” she stated. The diagnosis of traumatic brain injury has prompted her to reevaluate her health and focus on recovery, despite the challenges ahead. She expressed concern over the cognitive decline she has experienced, noting the need to work closely with medical professionals to understand the injury’s extent.
Lilly’s health struggles are not new. She has a history of unexplained fainting episodes, which she originally attributed to hypoglycemia. In a May 30, 2023, essay on Substack, she detailed how these episodes began in her childhood. Initially evaluated for epilepsy, doctors later diagnosed her with hypoglycemia, though Lilly found this explanation increasingly unsatisfactory as her symptoms persisted. “What was interesting was how, even after a 12-hour fast, even after blacking out, my glucose levels never came back as low,” she recounted, suggesting that hypoglycemia may not have been the correct diagnosis.
Despite the severity of her recent accident, Lilly remains optimistic. She emphasized the importance of prioritizing rest and self-care. “I think this was the calmest, most restful Christmas holiday I have had, maybe since I had children,” she reflected, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to continue her life and work.
Her husband, Norman Kali, has been supportive throughout her health journey, having observed her during her fainting spells. Lilly described how Kali has remarked that she appears lifeless during these episodes, further underscoring the seriousness of her condition.
As she navigates this new chapter in her health, Lilly is committed to understanding her injury and embarking on a recovery journey. “But now my job is to hit the bottom of that with the doctors and then embark on the hard work of fixing it,” she stated, acknowledging the effort required to address her cognitive challenges.
Lilly’s transparency about her health issues resonates with many, as she encourages others to be aware of their well-being. Her story serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding brain injuries and the importance of seeking help and understanding the body’s signals. As she moves forward, her updates will likely continue to highlight both her struggles and triumphs in the face of adversity.
