Former Disney Channel star Selena Gomez has been quite open the last few years about her diagnosis with Lupus, an inflammatory autoimmune disease in which the immune system begins to attack healthy tissue, and the sometimes crippling mental, physical, and emotional side effects that accompany living with the chronic condition. On Thursday, Gomez stunned her 126 million Instagram followers when she posted a series of photos and a heartfelt message confirming she was forced to undergo a kidney transplant over the summer due to complications from Lupus.
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“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,” the singer and actress began the post, which accompanied a photo of her lying in a hospital bed next to her friend and kidney donor, Francia Raisa.
While Gomez simply stated that she was “recovering” after needing to “get a kidney transplant due to my Lupus,” reports indicate that the 25-year-old may have suffered kidney failure earlier this year while waiting on the transplant list. According to the Daily Mail, Gomez was hospitalized in May with kidney failure.
In the Instagram post, which also includes pictures of her scar, the singer thanked the doctors, family, and friends who stood by her side throughout the ordeal, before turning her attention to her donor and “beautiful friend” Raisa. Raisa and Gomez are reportedly longtime friends, and the 29-year-old is a fellow model and actress from Los Angeles.
“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 wrote. “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.”
Beyond the social media post, Gomez has not publicly commented on her surgery or condition, but she was seen working on a New York City film set on Thursday. She promised fans that she will soon share more details and, in the meantime, encouraged followers to learn more about Lupus.
“I honestly look forward to sharing with you, soon my journey through these past several months as I have always wanted to do with you,” Gomez said. “Lupus continues to be very misunderstood but progress is being made. For more information regarding Lupus please go to the Lupus Research Alliance website… by grace through faith.”