Khielea Bodkin was a young mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and business owner who lost her life to liver failure on October 25, 2025.

She was known for her bold personality, infectious laugh, creativity, and the love she had for her two sons.

Her story is also an important reminder of why young people need clearer information about liver health, risk, and the signs that should not be ignored.

She Didn’t Know Her Liver Disease Was Progressing

In 2016, Khielea was diagnosed with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

Her family shared that she did not understand the seriousness of the condition or what it could mean for her long-term health. Liver disease was not something Khielea believed was quietly progressing in the background of her life.

Years passed without her realizing how serious her liver disease could become.

At one point, Khielea developed persistent itching. According to her family, she sought medical care and was told the itching was related to bug bites. There was no indication to her that the symptom could be connected to worsening liver disease.

Then, in October 2025, Khielea’s health suddenly declined. What had seemed like an otherwise normal life became a medical crisis.

Khielea died from liver failure on October 25, 2025.

Young People Need to Know What to Look For

Liver disease can develop quietly. Symptoms may be subtle, misunderstood, or attributed to something else, and some people may have few noticeable symptoms while disease progresses.

Khielea’s story highlights why a diagnosis should come with clear information about what it means, what follow-up may be needed, and what changes or symptoms should prompt further medical attention.

Young adults need to understand that liver disease can affect them too.

Earlier awareness does not mean creating fear. It means giving people the information they need to understand their health, ask informed questions, and recognize when something may require further attention.

More Than a Diagnosis

Khielea’s life was not defined by liver disease.

She was creative from a young age and found her passion in the beauty industry after attending Marvel Beauty School. She became a sought-after stylist and eventually built her own business, KMB Hair Studio, creating a space where people came not only for her talent but because of the way she made them feel.

At the centre of her life were her two sons.

She loved music, travel, and Halloween. She worked hard, gave freely, and made the people around her feel seen, valued, and beautiful.

That is the person her family remembers.

Sharing Khielea’s Story

Liver Awareness Foundation is grateful to the Bodkin family for allowing us to share Khielea’s story.

Stories like hers are why conversations about liver health cannot begin only when someone becomes critically ill. Young people deserve to understand liver disease, know their risks, recognize potential warning signs, and receive clear information about the importance of ongoing care and follow-up.

Khielea was a mother. A business owner. A daughter. A sister. A friend.

And her life was so much more than liver disease.

Read Khielea’s Full Story

Khielea’s story is featured in Mind Your Liver Mag® Issue 4, where her family shares more about her life, her experience with liver disease, and the person she was beyond her diagnosis.

Read Khielea Bodkin’s full story in Mind Your Liver Mag® → 

In memory of Khielea Bodkin. 💜

Mind Your Liver. It Needs You.®