Selena Gomez was recently honoured at the Lupus Research Alliance Annual Gala that took place at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City this week.

 

 

During her speech at the gala, Selena says, “I am really honoured to be here with all of you guys tonight, my Lupus community. As many of you know, or might now know, I was diagnosed with lupus about five or six years ago.  I’ve been speaking out about my situation to raise awareness about the disease.  After undergoing so many tests to monitor my kidneys my doctors told me I have lupus nephritis, one of those complications from lupus. They said I would be needing a kidney transplant.”

 

 

Also during her speech, Selena spoke about the moment her doctors advised that it was necessary to undergo a kidney transplant procedure, “Maybe I wasn’t necessarily really good at knowing what that meant so it actually got to a point where it was life-or-death.  Thankfully, one of my best friends gave me her kidney and it was the ultimate gift of life. And I am doing quite well now.”

 

 

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. 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. 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/ -by grace through faith

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Back in October of 2015, it was Billboard who learned during an interview with Selena that she was diagnosed with lupus and at that moment, she was undergoing chemotherapy.  A year later in August and after suffering from depression, panic attacks and even anxiety, Selena made the decision and took a break from her career.  All problems stemmed from her Lupus diagnosis.

 

 

Months later, Selena made a comeback and returned to the 2016 American Music Awards stage and in September of 2017, Selena revealed on her Instagram page that she needed a kidney transplant during the summer and her best friend, Francia Raisa donated one of her kidneys.

 

 

During an interview on Today, Selena says, “At the end of the day, I think all the stuff that I went through made me and defined everything that I am right now. I think it’s a really beautiful thing, and I have to remind myself that it’s not a negative experience.”

 

 

Selena has raised more than $500,000 for the Lupus Research Alliance.

 

 

 

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