Selena Gomez faced a "life-or-death" situation prior to her kidney transplant earlier this year.
Selena Gomez
The 25-year-old singer received an organ from her friend Francia Raisa in a life-saving operation over the summer, which was needed as a result of her battle with Lupus, a condition in which the body's immune system mistakingly attacks healthy tissue.
And the 'Fetish' hitmaker has now revealed that because she wasn't sure of the warning signs, her health got to a point where her life was at risk.
Speaking at the Lupus Research Alliance Annual Gala on Monday (20.11.17) night in New York City, the 'Wolves' singer said: "I am really honoured to be here with all of you guys tonight, my lupus community. As many of you know, or might now know, I was diagnosed with lupus about five or six years ago.
"I've been speaking out about my situation to raise awareness about the disease. After undergoing so many tests to monitor my kidneys my doctors told me I have lupus nephritis, one of those complications from lupus. They said I would be needing a kidney transplant.
"Maybe I wasn't necessarily really good at knowing what that meant so it actually got to a point where it was life-or-death. Thankfully, one of my best friends gave me her kidney and it was the ultimate gift of life. And I am doing quite well now."
Selena's comments come after she previously praised her transplant as a "beautiful thing", and believes her operation has "made her" who she is now.
She said: "I don't want people to think it's a sad thing that I went through this with Francia or with anything in my life. I think all of the stuff that I went through made me and defined everything that I am right now. It's a really beautiful thing and I have to remind myself of that. It's not a negative experience."
Selena announced the news she had undergone the surgery on social media in September, and she has admitted she felt "incredibly blessed" to have a friend like Francia who was willing to make a huge "sacrifice" for her.
Speaking previously in an Instagram post of the pair laying in a hospital bed next to one another, Selena wrote: "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 (sic)."
But Francia has hinted she would not have had it any other way, and is "beyond grateful" she was trusted to donate her body part.
She wrote at the time: "I am beyond grateful that God would trust me with something that not only saved a life, but changed mine in the process."
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