An intensive care nurse and podcaster with a large social media following died tragically after a protracted fight with leukemia.
Ebi Porbeni, an influential medic known for hosting the Nurse Speak podcast, died on Tuesday afternoon, July 20. Last September, the acclaimed health professional was diagnosed with leukemia and openly documented his battle with the cancer with his social media followers.
The nurse apparently had 1.2 million followers on his Instagram site, @nurselifern, at the time of his death, where he shared stories about his career.
So, who was Ebi? Here’s everything you need to know about him.
Who Was Ebi Porbeni?
Ebi Porbeni was a social media influencer and a nurse. Ebiowei Porbeni was his real name.
He launched the Instagram feed to show what it's like to work in healthcare; he frequently posted memes and hilarious anecdotes about his experiences as a nurse. The page, which was launched in 2017, was also utilized as a forum for nurse recruitment.
He hosted the Nurse Speak podcast and amassed over 1.2 million followers on his Instagram account, @nurselifern, where he posted memes and anecdotes about his life as a healthcare worker.
Ebi was born in Nigeria and immigrated to the United States when he was nine years old. He attended Malone University before going on to become an ICU nurse at the University of California, Los Angeles.
In September 2019, the influencer opened up about his battle with cancer on Instagram. He has stated: “I'm sure some of you noticed I went dark around a week ago. I hadn't felt this good in a long time. It turned out to be leukemia.”
How Did Ebi Die?
Ebi died on July 20, 2021, after a battle with leukemia, according to his social media coordinator. The nurse was diagnosed with cancer in September and documented his battle with his Instagram followers, according to The Metro.
When Ebi was diagnosed, he resorted to social media to appeal for financial assistance to cover the costs of his therapies. He raised over $250,000 through a GoFundMe campaign he started.
With heavy hearts, we are sad to share that Ebi passed away Tuesday afternoon in the company of family and friends, wrote Emily, Ebi's social media coordinator, in a tribute to him on Instagram.
“One thing we know is that the @nurselifern community has had a positive impact on his life.” “His family has asked that we respect his privacy,” she stated. His followers on Twitter paid tribute to his life and the impact he had.
“This incredible nurse @ebi_eats passed away from cancer,” one person said. He maintained the Instagram account @nurselifern. “He brought joy to so many people.” He was a ray of sunshine.
“During nursing school, I relied on his wit to help me relax. Without you, the nursing community will never be the same.”
“It's heartbreaking to think that a man who influenced so many of our lives as nurses is no longer with us,” said another.
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“Cancer is a jerk.” We lost an incredible man who advocated for so many people in his short life. @ebi_eats, you will be sorely missed.”
“RIP @ebi_eats,” a third user wrote. Thank you for making us laugh when we didn't think we could.”
In the aftermath of Ebi's death, the @NurseLifeRN Instagram profile, as well as his personal account, appear to have been changed to private.
