Selena Gomez, an actress, and singer have been very vocal about her battle with lupus, an autoimmune disease that affects various organs in the body, including the kidneys. In 2017, Selena required a kidney transplant due to complications arising from lupus, and her best friend and actress Francia Raisa selflessly donated one of her kidneys to Selena.
In a recent interview, Selena spoke about her appreciation for her strong bond with Francia, and how grateful she was for the life-saving donation. The 30-year-old shared that she felt lucky when Francia got tested and turned out to be a perfect match for her body.
During an episode of Apple TV+’s documentary series Dear…, Selena opened up about the health complications she faced in 2017 due to lupus. She shared how her best friend Francia stepped up and offered to get tested as a potential kidney donor. Within three days, Francia was tested and found to be a match. Selena described it as one of those moments where she felt watched over, and she knows how lucky she was to have someone like Francia in her life.
“I will never ever, ever be more in debt to a person than Francia. The idea of someone not even second-guessing to be a donor was unbelievably overwhelming,” said Selena.
The two friends even got matching tattoos to commemorate the date of the kidney transplant, showing their strong bond and friendship.
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects millions of people worldwide. The disease can cause inflammation in various parts of the body, leading to tissue damage and organ failure. Lupus can also cause a range of symptoms such as fever, joint pain, fatigue, and skin rashes.
According to the Lupus Foundation of America, there is currently no cure for lupus, but there are treatments available to manage the symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease. In some cases, like Selena’s, a kidney transplant may be necessary.
It’s important to note that kidney transplants are not without risks and complications, and not everyone who needs a transplant is lucky enough to find a suitable donor. In the United States alone, over 100,000 people are on the waiting list for a kidney transplant.
Francia Raisa’s selfless act of donating a kidney to Selena brought attention to the importance of organ donation and the impact it can have on someone’s life. In an Instagram post, Francia shared her experience of the kidney donation process and encouraged others to consider becoming organ donors.
“If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that I’ve kept my kidney donation process pretty private. However, I think I’ve reached a point in my life where I feel at ease and self-assured in sharing my experience and using my platform to bring attention to the different kidney diseases that impact our community,” wrote Francia.
Her decision to share her story and use her platform to raise awareness of kidney diseases and organ donation is admirable and can inspire others to consider becoming organ donors.
In addition to the physical toll that lupus and kidney disease can take on the body, they can also have a significant impact on a person’s mental health. Selena has been open about her struggles with anxiety and depression, and how her battle with lupus has affected her mental health.
It’s important to recognize the connection between physical and mental health and to seek support for both. There are resources available for those living with chronic illnesses, such as counseling and support groups.
In conclusion, Selena Gomez’s story of friendship, resilience, and gratitude serves as a reminder of the importance of organ donation and the impact it can have on someone’s life. Her openness about her battle with lupus and mental health struggles can also inspire others to seek.
