Selena Gomez praises friend who gave her kidney

Over five years ago, actress Francia Raisa gave her friend, singer Selena Gomez, a second chance of life by donating a kidney. After expressing her need for a donor, Raisa got tested and soon discovered they were a match.

The ‘I Love You Like a Love Song’ singer suffers from Lupus and Gomez reiterated her thanks to Raisa in a recent episode of Apple TV+’s ‘Dear…’

“The idea of someone not even second-guessing to be a donor was unbelievably overwhelming. It was one of those moments where I felt watched over,” she said.

“I know I was so, so, so lucky. I understand that that doesn’t happen for a lot of people and I know the outcome of some of those situations and how serious they are, so I do not take it lightly that it’s happened to me that way.”

Gomez’s history with Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system attacks the body’s tissues and organs. This can result in inflammation that could affect the joints, kidneys, skin, brain, blood cells, lungs and heart.

Gomez was diagnosed in 2014 and has since opened up about her struggles with the disease. She has even taken breaks in her career due to complications and has cited “anxiety, panic attacks and depression” as side effects.

In a Billboard interview from 2015, Gomez revealed that she took a break from her Star Dance tour in 2013 to undergo chemotherapy.

In an interview with People, Gomez said: “I want to be proactive and focus on maintaining my health and happiness and have decided that the best way forward is to take some time off.

“Thank you to all my fans for your support. You know how special you are to me, but I need to face this head on to ensure I am doing everything possible to be my best.

“I know I am not alone by sharing this, I hope others will be encouraged to address their own issues.”