Selena Gomez feeling ‘incredibly blessed’ after kidney transplant

Selena Gomez (right) with Francia Raisa

Selena Gomez recently revealed that she underwent kidney transplant earlier this year, which forced her to “lay low” and prevented her from promoting her new music.

“It was what I needed to do for my overall health,” the pop star, whose kidney failure was caused by lupus, wrote on her Instagram account, where she has 126 million followers. “I honestly look forward to sharing with you soon my journey through the past several months as I have always wanted to do with you.”

Accompanying the post was a photo of Selena and her best friend—and organ donor—actress Francia Raisa, lying in hospital beds, holding hands and looking into each other’s eyes. She also posted a photo of her surgery scar.

“She gave me the ultimate gift and sacrifice by donating her kidney to me. I’m incredibly blessed,” wrote the 25-year-old recording artist, adding that there were no words that could express her gratitude. “I love you so much, sis.”

Selena profusely thanked her team of doctors and vowed to educate people about lupus, an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack healthy tissues and organs.

“Lupus continues to be very misunderstood, but progress is being made,” she said. —ALLAN POLICARPIO