In 2015, Selena Gomez revealed she had been diagnosed with lupus, which is a "chronic inflammatory disease caused when the immune system attacks its own tissues." Just last night, she opened up even more about her struggle with the disease, posting a photo on her Instagram and revealing she had a kidney transplant this summer. Selena also took the opportunity to say some kind words about Francia Raisa, her best friend, who was her donor.
“I’m very aware some of my fans had noticed I was laying low for part of the summer and questioning why I wasn’t promoting my new music, which I was extremely proud of,” Selena wrote in the photo's caption. “So I found out I needed to get a kidney transplant due to my lupus and was recovering. It was what I needed to do for my overall health.”
“I want to publicly thank my family and incredible team of doctors for everything they have done for me prior to and post-surgery,” she continued. “And finally, there aren’t words to describe how I can possibly thank my beautiful friend Francia Raisa. She gave me the ultimate gift and sacrifice by donating her kidney to me. I am incredibly blessed. I love you so much sis.”
It’s very brave of Selena to open up like this, especially to over 126 million of her Instagram followers, a feat that's gotten her featured in Time's "First" series for being the first woman to reach 100 million through her influence. Here’s hoping she’s healthy and doing well post-surgery.
