Why Selena Gomez’s Kidney Transplant Reveal Is So Important

Selena Gomez revealed on Instagram that her friend, actress Francia Raisa, donated her kidney to Gomez to aid the singer in her fight against lupus, an autoimmune disease where the body attacks its own tissues.

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. 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. Until then I want to publicly thank my family and incredible team of doctors for everything they have done for me prior to and post-surgery. 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. Lupus continues to be very misunderstood but progress is being made. For more information regarding Lupus please go to the Lupus Research Alliance website: www.lupusresearch.org/ -by grace through faith

A post shared by Selena Gomez (@selenagomez) on Sep 14, 2017 at 3:07am PDT

With Gomez positioned as one of the world’s most powerful celebrities and owning the most-followed Instagram account, the extent of her transparency about lupus is incredibly touching and refreshing and her post promotes resilience, selflessness and true friendship.

Lupus is a rare but debilitating disease. Gomez’s bravery and gracefulness in publicly tackling one of the hardest moments of her life provides a beacon of strength for her millions of fans suffering from illness, setback or hardship.