SELENA Gomez has revealed she’s had a kidney transplant due to her battle with Lupus.
The singer , 25, broke the news by sharing a picture of herself in her hospital bed – revealing her donor was her best friend and fellow actress Francia Raisa.
In a lengthy post she explained why she had been absent for most of the summer as she shared a series of pictures of her scars.
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease with symptoms including body aches, fevers and extreme fatigue - it can also lead to kidney and heart damage.
She wrote: “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."
Selena, who is dating The Weekend, went on thank The Secret Life of the American Teenager star Francia who had donated her kidney, revealing she felt 'incredibly blessed'.
Selena continued: “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."
And helping to raise some awareness about Lupus, she added: "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”
Francia and Selena have been best friends for over eight years and even call each other sisters.
Last year Francia paid tribute to Selena on her birthday, revealing she had been there for her through thick and thin.
She wrote: “There are so many moments we have and things you do that I cherish and don't take for granted. Whether it's crying, laughing, or simply sitting on my kitchen floor throwing our hands up in the air confused at life, I'm thankful you're always there.”
Discussing their eight year friendship she continued: “I am obsessed with every memory we've built in the last 8 years and the ones we have yet to create. I am so grateful that God put you in my life when he did.”
She added: "It's been so inspiring watching you grow and to grow with you. I learn so much from you and I'm so so so proud of you."
