Selena Gomez recently opened up about the deep gratitude she has for her best friend, Francia Raisa, who donated a kidney to her in 2017. The singer and actress spoke about her health struggles with lupus during an appearance on the Apple TV+ documentary series, Dear…, and how Raisa’s selfless act saved her life.
Gomez, who was just 30 years old at the time of the transplant, shared that Raisa didn’t hesitate to get tested when she learned that her friend needed a kidney. Within three days, Raisa discovered that she was a match, and the transplant was scheduled.
In the interview, Gomez expressed her appreciation for Raisa’s generosity, saying, “I will never ever, ever be more in debt to a person than Francia.” She also spoke about how fortunate she feels to have survived her health scare and how she knows that not everyone is as lucky.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation in various parts of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs. Kidney problems are common among lupus patients, with up to 60% of people experiencing kidney issues. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for the disease.
Gomez’s experience with lupus and the kidney transplant has given her a greater appreciation for life and the people who support her. She describes Raisa as her “best friend” and acknowledges that the decision to donate a kidney was a life-changing moment for both of them.
For Gomez, the experience was a reminder of the importance of relationships and the power of selflessness. She hopes that by sharing her story, others will be inspired to cherish their own relationships and to consider how they can help others in need.
