Francia Raisa is "beyond grateful" to have helped save Selena Gomez's life.
The 29-year-old actress, who is a long-time friend of the American star, donated a kidney to Selena due to her on going battle with Lupus, and has encouraged her Instagram followers to educate themselves about the chronic condition.
Alongside a picture of herself and Selena holding hands in their hospital beds, Francia wrote on the photo-sharing website: "I am beyond grateful that God would trust me with something that not only saved a life, but changed mine in the process. This was part of our story, and we will share it soon, but what is important now is that this is not the only story.
"For more information regarding Lupus, please go to the Lupus Research Alliance website: www.lupusresearch.org -- Love you sis, so glad we're on this journey together. (sic)"
Selena revealed the news of her kidney transplant in an Instagram post on Thursday (14.09.17).
In her message, the 'Hands To Myself' hitmaker explained the autoimmune disease damaged her organs so much that she was told by doctors she required a transplant.
Selena's message read: "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/ (sic)"
