Israeli Social Media Star Hili Toledano Reveals Rare Blood Disease Diagnosis

Hili Toledano, a prominent Israeli social media influencer with a large following, has revealed she has been living with a rare chronic blood disorder since her teenage years. Toledano, known for her online presence and relationship with YouTuber Idan Telem, shared in an interview with Ma'ako that she was diagnosed with polycythemia vera at age 16.

Polycythemia vera is a rare condition characterized by the overproduction of red blood cells in the bone marrow. Toledano's diagnosis at 16 is unusual, as the disease is typically identified around age 40. In rare cases, polycythemia vera can develop into leukemia.

Symptoms of the disease can include extreme fatigue and headaches. Toledano undergoes medical check-ups every three months. She explained that her body produces too many red blood cells, which can potentially lead to arterial blockages. While intensive treatments exist, doctors opted for a less aggressive approach due to her young age at diagnosis.

"They discovered it at my first enlistment [to the IDF]," Toledano stated. "My body produces more red blood cells, which can cause artery blockage, God forbid. This disease has very intensive treatments, more than the treatment I am currently receiving, but because they discovered it at a young age, they didn't want to feed me medication for breakfast. It's a rare disease and I'm an even rarer case of it, but thank God I'm okay, I'm alive and breathing."

Despite her health challenges, Toledano has continued her professional activities. In July, it was announced that she and her partner, Idan Telem, are expected to participate in the upcoming Hanukkah Festival (Pestigal).