Selena Gomez has opened up about receiving a kidney transplant from her friend Francia Raisa, after battling lupus.
The singer took to Instagram to share the news on 14 September, telling fans she’s in recovery from the procedure and will share more information about her surgery soon.
Lupus affects roughly 15,000 people in the UK. The autoimmune condition occurs when the immune system starts to attack and inflame healthy cells, tissue and organs.
Dr Nitin Shori, medical director of the Pharmacy2U Online Doctor service and a working NHS GP, previously told HuffPost UK: “There is a great variation in symptoms with most patients having mild to moderate symptoms. However, the effects of lupus on organs such as the kidneys can make it life-threatening.”
In Gomez’s case, a kidney transplant was key to helping her recover.
“I found out I needed to get a kidney transplant due to my lupus,” she wrote on Instagram. “It was what I needed to do for my overall health.
“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.”
The 25-year-old took the opportunity to publicly thank her family and “incredible team of doctors” for everything they did for her, before and after surgery.
But she shared a special thank you to the woman who had donated her kidney.
“There aren’t words to describe how I can possibly thank my beautiful friend Francia Raisa,” Gomez wrote.
“She gave me the ultimate gift and sacrifice by donating her kidney to me.
“I am incredibly blessed. I love you so much sis.”