In 2017, Selena Gomez shocked the world when she revealed that she had undergone a kidney transplant due to her battle with lupus. Even more surprising was that her donor was none other than her friend, Francia Raisa. This act of selflessness gained Raisa worldwide recognition and admiration.
Francia Raisa is an American actress who first came on the scene for her role in the ABC Family series “The Secret Life of the American Teenager.” She has also appeared in several other TV shows and movies, including “Grown-ish,” “Bring It On: All or Nothing,” and “How I Met Your Father.” Raisa is of Mexican and Honduran descent and is passionate about advocating for Latinx representation in Hollywood.
Why did Francia donate her kidney to Selena?
Selena Gomez and Francia Raisa have been friends since they met in 2008 when they were both teenagers. When Selena was diagnosed with lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease, in 2015, she revealed that she would eventually need a kidney transplant. In 2017, Selena’s health began deteriorating, and she needed a transplant sooner than expected. This is when Francia stepped up and offered to donate her kidney. In an interview with W Magazine, Francia explained that her decision to donate her kidney was because she “didn’t want [Selena] to go through [kidney failure] alone.”
The Impact of Francia’s Act of Kindness
Francia Raisa’s selfless act has profoundly impacted both her and Selena Gomez’s lives. For Selena, the transplant was life-saving, and she has since been able to focus on her health and career. Gomez has recently spoken out about the impact of her friend Francia Raisa’s choice to donate a kidney to her. On the most recent episode of Apple TV+’s Dear…, the actress discussed the time in 2017 when she learned that her lupus diagnosis would need a transplant.
“I will never ever, ever be more in debt to a person than Francia. The idea of someone not even second-guessing to be a donor was unbelievably overwhelming.”
The experience has been physically and emotionally exhausting for Francia, but she has also gained a newfound appreciation for life. In an interview with Harry Connick Jr., she said that the experience made her “grateful for every day” and that she now sees “the world a little differently.”
Francia’s decision to donate her kidney to Selena Gomez is a testament to the power of friendship and selflessness. Her act of kindness has not only saved Selena’s life but has also inspired many around the world. It is important to remember that acts of kindness, whether big or small, can significantly impact someone’s life. All in all, be more like Francia Raisa, who showed us true friendship means being there for someone in their time of need.
Share your thoughts with us, Right Celebrity readers! Are these two still really good friends?