InstagramOn September 14, Selena Gomez offered an intimate glimpse into her life by sharing that she was undergoing a kidney transplant on account of her lupus diagnosis. One of her closest friends, actress Francia Raisa, donated a kidney to Gomez, which was documented and shown to her fans.
Lupus is a non-contagious autoimmune disease that’s caused by problems in the immune system. Essentially what happens is that the immune system becomes hyperactive and starts to negatively affect the other, healthier cells in the body.
The effect is that some of the organs in the body, including the kidneys, can become inflamed or damaged. The joints, heart, and lungs can also be affected.
For anyone unfamiliar with Raisa, she’s most recognized for her work in Bring it On, and The Secret Life of the American Teenager and has been best friends with Gomez for nearly a decade.
Beacon Pictures
In a 2013 interview with Latina, Raisa shared that six years ago when she was still on The Secret Life of the American Teenager, Disney and ABC Family had the stars of their shows go to the Children’s Hospital.
“Selena and I were in the same group and we just clicked,” she said.
Since then, Raisa and Gomez have become close friends and partake in several projects and activities together. One of which is Gomez’s well-known video of her dancing to Taylor Swift’s, “I Knew You Were Trouble.”
YouTube
Raisa and Gomez often share stories of when they were there for each other during times they needed it most.
Instagram/selenagomez
When Gomez uploaded her post-surgery photo, she acknowledged that some of her fans were noticing how little of a social media presence she had over the summer.
Instagram/selenagomezShe explained that she needed a kidney transplant and said there were no words to express how grateful she was to Raisa for donating her kidney. She finished the post with a link to lupus information.
Instagram/selenagomez
The post has garnered over nine million likes on Instagram. Raisa’s Instagram post of the same photo has received over one million likes.
Instagram/franciaraisa
Gomez and Raisa often refer to one another as sisters and constantly thank each other for being a person who they can rely on.
Instagram/franciaraisa
In 2016, Raisa wished Gomez a happy birthday on Instagram and wrote of their friendship, “I am obsessed with every memory we’ve built in the last 8 years and the ones we have yet to create. I am so grateful that God put you in my life when he did.”
Instagram/franciaraisaEver since Gomez shared the story of Raisa’s generosity, people have been pouring in on social media channels to share their experiences.
Instagram/franciaraisa
They’ve also shared kind words to the women for not only sharing their stories but also for being there for one another to the capacity that they are.
Instagram/franciaraisa
