Selena Gomez has posted a heartfelt tribute to friend and actress Francia Raisa on her birthday.
“Happy birthday to an incredible human being I’ve known since I was 14,” Gomez wrote in her Instagram story.
Selena Gomez Posts Tribute To Friend And Kidney Donor Francia Raisa
She published a black and white shot capturing a candid moment between her and Raisa whilst they were attending an industry event.
“Your grace, strength, and passion for who you love and what you do has always inspired me,” Gomez also wrote.
The Lose You To Love Me singer and Raisa, known for her role in The Secret Life Of The American Teenager, have been friends for years. Raise recently starred in an episode of ABC sitcom Black-ish and its spinoff Grown-ish in the role of Ana Torres.
The bond between the two friends grew stronger when Raisa donated a kidney to Gomez, who was diagnosed with lupus between 2012 and 2014. The surgery took place in September 2017. Gomez made the official announcement on Instagram, posting a series of instant snaps, including one of her and Raisa in hospital gowns as they hold hands.
The singer posted a long explanation as to why she had withdrawn from the scenes in the months leading to the surgery.
Gomez Announced She Received A Transplant In 2017
She thanked her fans and family and especially Raisa, who said they both experienced depression following the surgery.
“[…] 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,” Gomez wrote.
Ever since she was diagnosed, the singer and actress has been an advocate for lupus. This is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in several parts of the body.
Selena Gomez In 2020
Selena Gomez has celebrated her own birthday not long ago, turning 28 on July 22. She posted a series of instant pictures on her Instagram to celebrate the date.
The singer, who spent part of lockdown with her dog and grandma, released her third studio album, Rare, in January 2020.
In May 2020, it was also announced Gomez would host her own cooking show on HBO Max. The project is still untitled and will see her trying her hand at cooking and being joined remotely by a famous chef each episode.