In September 2017, pop star Selena Gomez revealed on Instagram that she had undergone a kidney transplant. Her best friend and actress Francia Raisa had donated one of her own kidneys. The disclosure — accompanied by a photo of the two friends showing their matching scars — generated enormous public attention and launched Gomez into the role of one of the most visible advocates for organ donation in the world.
Gomez has lived with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) since her teen years. Lupus nephritis — a complication in which lupus attacks the kidneys — had significantly damaged her kidney function, necessitating the transplant.
In a subsequent Today show interview, Gomez said her body had initially been rejecting the kidney and that the surgery had been more dangerous than publicly revealed. She spoke about the fear, the recovery, and the profound gratitude she feels toward Francia Raisa.
Her story has put a human face on organ donation and kidney disease for a generation of young people who might otherwise not have engaged with these topics. Gomez regularly uses her massive social media following to direct fans toward information on lupus and kidney health.