Image via Instagram/SelenaGomez

Selena Gomez Opens Up About Getting A Kidney Transplant

“It was what I needed to do for my overall health”

by Sarah Beauchamp

Selena Gomez revealed to Billboard in 2015 that she'd taken a break from music after being diagnosed with lupus, a chronic inflammatory disease where your immune system attacks your organs. While at the time she'd been through chemotherapy and was in remission, today she opened up about a recent kidney transplant she needed due to her battle with the illness. 

"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," Gomez wrote on Instagram. "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."

She went on to thank her family and doctors and especially her friend, Francia Raisa, who gave up one of her kidneys for Gomez. "I am incredibly blessed," Gomez wrote. "I love you so much sis." She shared photos of her and Raisa in the hospital and a close-up of her scar from the surgery. 

The singer added that there is still a lot that's misunderstood about lupus, "but progress is being made." She provided a link to the Lupus Research Alliance for more resources and information about the disease. 

Despite undergoing surgery, Gomez still managed to do a lot this year, including dropping two new songs. It looks like she's not letting the illness stop her anytime soon.