Who Is Selena Gomez’s Kidney Donor? Actress Receives Transplant From Francia Raisa

Selena Gomez has been very upfront about her health struggles in the past, and the singer made no exceptions when it came to a major surgery she had to have over the summer.

On Thursday, the “Bad Liar” singer revealed that she has been doing her best to keep out of the spotlight over the last few months because she was recovering from a kidney transplant. The donor was one of her good friends, Francia Raisa.

The songstress and Raisa have been friends for years. The actress was there to celebrate Gomez’s 21st birthday and wished her a happy birthday on Instagram when the star turned 25.

Fans may recognize the 26-year-old who had a lead role on the ABC Family (now Freeform) hit series “The Secret Life of the American Teenager.” Raisa starred alongside Shailene Woodley in the teen drama as Adrian Lee, a promiscuous teen who developed a bad reputation. Since her time on “The Secret Life of the American Teenager,” Raisa has gone on to land roles on “The Mindy Project,” “Hit the Floor,” “Dear White People” and has starred in several television films.

Considering her selfless and life-saving act, it’s safe to say that Raisa is nothing like the “Secret Life” character she once played.

In a lengthy Instagram post explaining her recent health issues and thanking her pal, Gomez shared a photo of herself in Raisa in the hospital and the transplant scar. “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 wrote.

Gomez revealed that she was told some news that would change her life. “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,” she told her fans.

Even though she isn’t ready to share her entire story just yet, the “Fetish” singer insisted that she is very grateful to those who helped her on her journey. “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,” Gomez wrote.

Last but not least, the actress had to thank the one person that made her transplant possible. “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,” she wrote.

Gomez ended her post by encouraging her fans to research Lupus because it is a disease that is frequently misunderstood.

Following her post, fans of Gomez showed their support for the star and got “#weareproudofyouselena” trending on Twitter. Although Raisa has yet to address the transplant, fans of the “Hands to Myself” singer have flooded the actress’ Instagram comment section with kind words, warm wishes and thanks due to her generous donation.