Celebrated actress and producer Ufuoma McDermott sits down for an unforgettable conversation on #WithChude, revealing her journey through Stage 4 kidney disease after a 12-year struggle that first claimed her older brother. Diagnosed with Stage 3 kidney disease last year, McDermott reflects on the battle for survival that ensued after she delayed treatment, eventually progressing to Stage 4—a life-threatening diagnosis linked to prolonged drug misuse. This deeply personal story reveals her strength and resilience that helped her endure six difficult months where she was unable to work or even move, coming face-to-face with the fear that the end might be near.
Through this candid discussion, McDermott shares the lessons that her struggle with kidney disease taught her about life, family, and prioritizing health. For the first time, she confirms that her family has been living abroad in recent years while she maintains her film and acting career in Nigeria. Living privately, she says, has helped her manage her condition and stay grounded amid the demands of her public life. This experience has fundamentally transformed her outlook, as she reflects on how life often shifts plans unexpectedly and how gratitude and service have become guiding principles in her life.
Watch episode: https://www.withchude.com/watch/a5c75222-04ac-4372-b35c-b7077be679c2
