Addiction is something that is a lifelong struggle, even for people who have been clean for decades. Unfortunately, the lasting effects of substance abuse on a person’s body can creep up even when they’re actively in rehabilitation. Adult film actress Emily Willis was on a journey to sobriety when she was hospitalized in February following a reported overdose.
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However, family members have since set the record straight about what really happened to her. Let’s take a closer look at the series of events that led to Emily slipping into a coma, where she remains today, as well as a health update on her current condition and prognosis. Because the latest update paints a different picture.
Emily was hospitalized in February after a possible overdose.
On February 4, Emily was transported to a hospital in Thousand Oaks, California, after a possible overdose, TMZ reported. The 25-year-old was reportedly in critical condition. Reportedly, Emily was receiving treatment at a rehabilitation center in Malibu when she was brought in for medical care.
Michael Willis, Emily’s brother, offered a health update.
More than a month after Emily was hospitalized, her younger brother, Michael, provided additional information on her health status. "Emily remains in a vegetative coma and is fighting for her life," he wrote in a March 7 update on a GoFundMe campaign. "We have been by her side as she slowly tries to recover, but it will be a challenging journey ahead."
Her brother clarified that she did not overdose.
In his message, Michael stressed that contrary to reports, Emily did not overdose. "Regarding the reports of an overdose, we want to clarify that they are not accurate as far as the doctors and my family know," he wrote. "Emily was receiving the treatment and help she needed at the time of the incident to overcome her struggles."
Emily's family is prepared for the worst.
Emily's father, also named Michael, told TMZ that she is fighting "an incredibly tough and unforeseen battle."
Her brother's message echoed these sentiments. "The road to recovery is difficult and uncertain ahead of us," he wrote. "But we are doing everything we can to make sure Emily gets the care and love she needs."
Her brother noted that Emily retired from the adult film industry two years ago.
Although Emily rose to fame as an adult film actress, her brother revealed she had been pursuing other avenues in recent years. "She retired from the adult industry nearly two years ago and had aspirations of success in other fields of entertainment," he shared. "Those who worked with her in her new career path knew she had the potential to achieve her dreams."
They started a GoFundMe campaign to help cover health expenses.
A GoFundMe campaign was organized by Emily's family to "help her receive the necessary long-term care and other unexpected expenses that we discover while we work through this situation," her brother explained.
As of writing, more than $33,000 has been raised toward the $60,000 goal.
"Any kind of support is appreciated, and nothing is expected or taken for granted," her brother Michael wrote. "Your support gives us strength to endure and remain steadfast for Emily. We want to express our gratitude to those who have donated, and please know that your generosity will greatly aid in Emily's ongoing recovery process."