Selena Gomez took to Instagram to admit that she had a kidney transplant earlier this year — which is why she’s been laying low, and you’ve only seen her making out with The Weeknd sparingly.
“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 started. “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. 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. 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. Lupus continues to be very misunderstood but progress is being made.”
So who is this Francia Raisa, this kind, generous soul, this baby angel from heaven? Here’s what we know about the lady who gave Selena her kidney.
1. She’s known Selena since 2007.
The two met when Disney and ABC Family had stars visit the Children’s Hospital. “Selena and I were in the same group and we just clicked,” Francia admitted to Latina.
2. She’s an actress, too.
Francia’s most recognizable role to date is probably “The Secret Life of the American Teenager,” but she also appeared in Netflix’s “Dear White People,” and something called “Hit the Floor.”
3. And she started her career in a “Bring It On” sequel.
Unfortunate, but it’s true! Francia’s first film credit is for “Bring It On: All or Nothing,” which featured the likes of Solange Knowles (I know, I can’t) and Hayden Panettiere.
4. She and Selena have a super close bond.
All over her Instagram, Francia refers to Selena as her sister, and her forever friend. “”She is so caring and so loving and so nurturing,” she told Wetpaint in 2012. “She’s awesome. I don’t know where she came from.” Aw.
5. She’s photogenic.
I mean, duh.
