New Kidney for Selena Gomez

Pop music sensation Selena Gomez shocked her fans by revealing she had a kidney transplant this summer.  Equally surprising, the person who sacrificially donated one of her kidneys to Gomez was none other than her good friend, actress Francia Raisa, who is best known for her work in “The Secret Life of the American Teenager.”

The 25-year-old Gomez posted a picture of the two recovering from the surgery, smiling at each other and  holding hands in side-by-side hospital beds. The caption read, “”There aren’t words to describe how I can possibly thank my beautiful friend Francia Raisa,” said Gomez. “She gave me the ultimate gift and sacrifice by donating her kidney to me. I am incredibly blessed. I love you so much sis.”

Selena Gomez and Francia Raisa

Gomez said the kidney transplant was necessary because of her ongoing battle with Lupus, an autoimmune disease.  According to the National Kidney Foundation there are two types of Lupus, one that only affects the skin, and another more serious type that harms the kidneys, called Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). That type of Lupus can be fatal and can also affect the joints and the brain, according to the NKF.

Gomez also posted pictures of her transplant scar on her abdomen.  Also in the post, she acknowledged she kept her surgery a secret despite confusion as to her whereabouts.

“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,” she explained, “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.”

She said she plans to reveal the details of her ordeal in the days to come. “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 ended her post with the phrase, “By grace through faith.” That’s a reference to Ephesians 2:8, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”

Gomez has recently been reconnecting with her faith. She joined Hillsong on stage in March of 2016 to lead worship with the first worship song she ever wrote. She’s been talking more about her faith in Jesus Christ and spending time with friends from church and not all of them famous.