Selena Gomez speaks out after kidney transplant

I love stories of courage and honesty and this story is most certainly one of those. Selena Gomez was diagnosed with lupus about five years ago and recently the autoimmune disease attacked her kidney.  

Read: Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato bond over new music

A month ago, Selena posted on Instagram telling her fans that she had undergone a kidney transplant and that was the reason why she had not been in the spotlight over the American summer. 

Read: Selena Gomez reveals she had a kidney transplant

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. 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. 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. For more information regarding Lupus please go to the Lupus Research Alliance website: www.lupusresearch.org/ -by grace through faith

A post shared by Selena Gomez (@selenagomez) on Sep 14, 2017 at 3:07am PDT

On Monday, in an exclusive NBC News interview, Selena Gomez and her best friend Francia Raisa sat down with show host Savannah Guthrie and spoke about the journey through the kidney transplant. 

Read: Durban man with kidney disease urges KZN to know their blood type

In the interview, her longtime friend said that without a second thought she got tested and was miraculously a match for Selena. The two then embarked on an intense journey to remove and transplant a healthy kidney.

I am blown away at how selfless this friend was and how scary it must have been to have to write a will (due to surgical risks) and deal with the stark reality of giving up an organ for someone else.

Read: UK health service to ban smokers, obese from surgery

This is such a heartwarming story of love and generosity. It is bound to make you think about how far you would go to help save a friend's life.