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Image: Instagram
Selena Gomez has revealed that she underwent a kidney transplant operation in May this year, after suffering renal damage as a result of Lupus.
In a touching Instagram post the 25-year-old said her friend, actress Francia Raisa donated the organ, posting a photo of them in side-by-side hospital beds, as well as a picture of her post-surgery scar.
“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.
“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 honestly look forward to sharing with you, soon my journey through these past several months as I have always wanted to do with you.”
Image: Instagram
She went on to thank her family and doctors, with a special mention of Francia.
“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.”
Kidney damage is a common result of Lupus, an autoimmune disease in which the body’s own autoimmune cells attack healthy tissues and organs, like the kidneys.
Selena has been open about her battle with Lupus. Last year she called off her world tour to seek treatment for the anxiety and depression she has battled on and off, another side effect of Lupus. In 2014, she had chemotherapy to treat it.
Selena appears to have recovered well from the kidney transplant – she’s been spotted out and about in New York in recent weeks, attending New York Fashion Week and filming an untitled Woody Allen film.
She and boyfriend The Weeknd are reportedly living together in a luxury apartment in Greenwich Village while she’s based here.
