TikTok star Jehane Thomas died suddenly at the age of 30 on Friday, after suffering from crippling migraines for several months.
Thomas wrote on Instagram that she was diagnosed with optic neuritis, a condition that causes swelling of the eye’s optic nerve, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
“I was diagnosed with Optic Neuritis a few months ago after nearly 2 years of being told my migraines were stress related,” the 30-year-old revealed on March 5. “They then thought I had MS which was ruled out (for now) but now the pressure in my head literally takes me off my feet.”
“I wanna start my thank yous by saying a huge thanks to my mom and dad who are always there to help me with the boys,” the social media star wrote at the time.
“I hate being wiped off my feet with a migraine or sickness but they will always be the first ones to take the boys for a few hours and I’m so grateful to have you both.”
Thomas, who has a whopping 67,000 followers on TikTok, documented many of her frequent journeys to the hospital on social media.
Her most recent video, which was posted on Wednesday, shows the mother-of-two laying in a hospital bed saying that she was scheduled for surgery and could barely move.
“I am still waiting to go down for surgery. The reason they didn’t do it last week was because having fluids in me would solve the issue,” wrote Thomas in the in-video caption.
“I have 4 liters of fluids in me and my head this morning is horrific. I’m waiting to see if I can take one of my Frovatriptan before surgery because no other pain relief is taking this pressure or if I need to ride it out and hope the surgery gives me instant relief.”
“I can’t lift my head up without wanting to be sick and I’m unable to walk, I need to be wheeled everywhere,” continued Thomas. “That’s how bad this pain is.”
Following the surgery and weeklong stay, Thomas was discharged from the emergency room but was forced to return when her migraines flared up again.
Thomas’ friend Alyx Reast created a GoFundMe to raise money for the funeral and her two children.
“Jehane Thomas was a 30-year-old, mom of two boys when she suddenly passed away on 03/17/2023,” reads the description. “Despite suffering from migraines and bouts of illness for several months, her passing was totally unexpected and we are all absolutely heartbroken.”
“Her two children, Isaac (3, almost 4), and Elijah (1), have been left without their mom,” continues the page. “I’ve started this page in the hope of raising some money so her beautiful boys can have the best childhood, make memories and make sure they are comfortable. Nothing will bring the boys their mom back, but we hope it will bring some relief to her family, knowing how loved and supported they are.”
“Jehane — I promised I’d do what I can for those boys, so that’s what I’m vowing to do. I love you,” the post concludes.
As of Monday, the fundraiser has raised $13,456 out of its $12,255 goal.
Several of Thomas’ followers were heartbroken upon learning the news.
“This does not feel real. I don’t know Jehane personally but I have just balled my eyes out,” cried one user.
“I have been crying for an hour over someone I never met, but jehane your lives helped me so much. felt like company when I had no one. my heart goes,” cried another.
“I just don’t understand how this has happened I can’t stop thinking about you,” stated a third person.