RuPaul’s Drag Race legend left ‘extremely ill’ and hospitalised after eating burger
Victoria ‘Porkchop’ Parker (first in from right) appeared on the first ever season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. (World of Wonder)
RuPaul’s Drag Race star Victoria ‘Porkchop’ Parker has set up an urgent fundraiser after falling “extremely ill” with an intestinal infection after eating a burger.
In a statement shared on their GoFundMe page, Victor Bowling – the man behind the infamous drag star – explained that they had recently endured “very serious health setbacks”, having been hospitalised and placed in intensive care.
“After preparing a frozen hamburger patty from a major retailer, I became extremely ill,” the 56-year-old performer explained.
The following day, after experiencing vomiting, dehydration and diarrhoea, Porkchop was rushed via ambulance to Antelope Valley Medical Center, where she spent a week bedridden and enduring test after test as medical professionals attempted to uncover what was wrong with her.
Doctors later confirmed that she had suffered from Hyponatremia, Acute Kidney Injury, Atrial Fibrillation and Hypertension.
Hyponatremia occurs when sodium in the blood drops to dangerously low levels, while an Acute Kidney Injury often occurs in conjunction with other illnesses and prevents the kidneys from working correctly. If untreated, it can lead to kidney failure.
Atrial fibrillation refers to an unsteady heart rhythm, while hypertension is high blood pressure.
Porkchop was finally discharged from hospital on 8 March but has been ordered to rest at home until at least the end of the month.
“Although I am expected to make a full recovery, the journey ahead will be challenging. I am slowly relearning how to walk, and ongoing physical therapy is essential to help me rebuild my strength,” the entertainer wrote.
She explained that one of the key reasons behind her decision to raise funds on GoFundMe was so she could purchase a medical mobility scooter, which would “greatly improve [her] quality of life” and allow her “to regain some independence”.
“Sometimes, a small act of kindness can make a world of difference. I have spent many years bringing joy to others, and now I find myself in need of support,” she rounded off, thanking her fans for their “generosity”.
At the time of writing, Porkchop has raised almost $5,000 of the $6,000 she has set as her goal on the fundraising platform.
In a post on Instagram, RuPaul’s Drag Race production company World of Wonder urged fans to donate “to help support our legendary queen on her road to recovery”.
“Sending all of our love to Victoria ‘Porkchop’ Parker, who has experienced a serious health setback and was recently hospitalized,” the post reads.
Fans of the reality show have widely called on World of Wonder to pay the full amount of Porkchop’s GoFundMe goal, citing the fact that she has been part of one of the reality show’s longest-running gags.
Victoria ‘Porkchop’ Parker was the first ever queen to be eliminated from Drag Race, back in season one in 2009. Queens who exit each season first are now known as the ‘Porkchop’ queens, while Porkchop herself has returned to the reality show on numerous occasions as a guest.
World of Wonder has donated $1,500 to Porkchop’s fundraiser, according to her official GoFundMe page.
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