Selena Gomez’s friend, Francia Raisa, gave her other kidney to the “Hands To Myself” singer. Gomez is now recovering after the transplant.

Gomez decided to undergo a Kidney Transplant because of lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body. She took to Instagram to say that it was because of this health problem that she was laying low and has not been making a lot of appearances to promote her new music.

Gomez thanks Raisa

Gomez and Raisa have been friends for years. According to Billboard, the two met 10 years ago when Disney and ABC Family had some of their stars visit the Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles.

Gomez and Raisa became fast friends.

Gomez, who took to Instagram, first thanked her family and the “incredible team of doctors” who worked on her case. She then thanked Raisa, whom she referred to as her beautiful friend. Gomez said her friend Raisa has given her the “ultimate gift and sacrifice.” Gomez said she is really blessed and that she loves Raisa so much. The two stars also refer to each other as sisters.

Gomez, Raisa raise awareness

Towards the end of Gomez’s Instagram post, she said that Lupus continues to be misunderstood. She hopes people will read more about it by providing a link directing readers to the Lupus Research Alliance’s website.

As for Raisa, she said in her Instagram post that she is beyond grateful that “God would trust me with something that not only saved a life” but also changed her life.

Raisa then asked to go to the same website that Gomez posted.

Gomez now recovering

Gomez is reportedly recovering now. It remains unknown when exactly did she undergo the kidney transplant but she did make it clear that she kept it from her fans and decided to share about the incident just now.

Sources told E! News that Gomez has a great support system and they have helped her be positive.

Accordingly, The Weeknd, her boyfriend, is also there to support her.

Gomez made some tweaks regarding her diet. She is now eating a lot of salads and fresh fruits.

What is lupus?

Lupus is an autoimmune disease and it is most common in women aged 15 to 45. There is no cure for this disease. Basically, a normal immune system can recognize foreign objects before fighting them off but if you have lupus, the body’s immune system attacks objects that are not even foreign. It usually causes damage to blood vessels, brain, heart, joints, kidneys, and lungs. ABC stated.