WONDER WOMAN actress Gal Gadot opened up about the challenges she faced in 2024.
“This year has been one of profound challenges and deep reflections, and I’ve wrestled with how, or even if, to share a personal story,” the actress began in an Instagram post. “At the end, I decided to let my heart guide me. Perhaps this is my way of processing everything, of pulling back the curtain on the fragile reality behind the curated moments we share on social media. Most of all, I hope that by sharing, I can raise awareness and support others who may face something similar.”
“In February, during my eighth month of pregnancy, I was diagnosed with a massive blood clot in my brain,” she explained. “For weeks, I had endured excruciating headaches that confined me to bed, until I finally underwent an MRI that revealed the terrifying truth. In one moment, my family and I were faced with how fragile life can be. It was a stark reminder of how quickly everything can change, and in the midst of a difficult year, all I wanted was to hold on and live.”
Upon leanring the results of the MRI, Gadot and her family rushed to the hospital so she could be treated.
“I underwent emergency surgery. My daughter, Ori, was born during that moment of uncertainty and fear. Her name, meaning ‘my light,’ wasn’t chosen by chance,” she said. “Before the surgery, I told Jaron that when our daughter arrived, she would be the light waiting for me at the end of this tunnel. Thanks to an extraordinary team of doctors at @cedarssinai and weeks of dedicated care, I made it through and began the road to recovery. Today, I am fully healed and filled with gratitude for the life I’ve been given back.”
Towards the end of the post, Gadot reflected on what the journey taught her.
“First, it’s vital to listen to our bodies and trust what it’s telling us. Pain, discomfort, or even subtle changes often carry deeper meaning, and being attuned to your body can be life saving,” the actress explained. “Second, awareness matters. I had no idea that 3 in 100,000 pregnant women in the 30s+ age group are diagnosed with CVT (develop a blood clot in the brain).”
Cerebral venous thrombosis is “a blood clot of the cerebral vein in the brain, according to Healthline. If left untreated, it can lead to brain bleeding and stroke. Symptoms include severe headaches, blurred vision, nausea and vomiting,” Huff Post said.
“It’s so important to identify early because it’s treatable. While rare, it’s a possibility, and knowing it exists is the first step to addressing it,” Gadot concluded. “Sharing this is not meant to frighten anyone but to empower. If even one person feels compelled to take action for their health because of this story, it will have been worth sharing.”
Along with Ori, Gadot and her husband Jaron Varsano share three other daughters: Alma, Maya and Daniella.
