7 Shocking Realities Of Selena Gomez's Kidney Transplant: Latest Health Update 2025

Contents

The journey of Selena Gomez following her life-saving kidney transplant in 2017 continues to be a story of immense resilience, honesty, and public scrutiny. As of late 2025, the global superstar has provided several candid updates on her health, confirming that her battle with lupus is currently in remission, and her transplanted kidney is functioning effectively. This critical health chapter, which saw her receive a kidney from her close friend, actress Francia Raisa, remains a defining moment in her life, influencing her career, personal relationships, and public advocacy for mental and physical health.

This in-depth article explores the most current details of her post-transplant life, addressing the long-term physical and emotional realities, the status of her relationship with her donor, and the profound impact this experience has had on her future, offering a fresh perspective on a story that continues to evolve seven years later.

Selena Gomez: A Brief Biography and Health Timeline

  • Full Name: Selena Marie Gomez
  • Date of Birth: July 22, 1992 (Age 33 as of late 2025)
  • Place of Birth: Grand Prairie, Texas, U.S.
  • Occupation: Singer, Actress, Producer, Businesswoman
  • Breakthrough Role: Alex Russo on Disney Channel's Wizards of Waverly Place (2007–2012)
  • Major Health Diagnoses:
    • Lupus: Diagnosed between 2012 and 2014. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease.
    • Kidney Failure: Experienced severe complications from lupus nephritis (lupus-related kidney inflammation), leading to the need for a transplant.
    • Kidney Transplant: Underwent the procedure in the summer of 2017.
    • Bipolar Disorder: Diagnosed in 2020, following a psychotic episode.
  • Donor: Actress Francia Raisa (a close friend at the time).
  • Current Status (2025): Lupus is in remission, transplanted kidney is stable, and actively working on music, film (Only Murders in the Building), and her beauty brand, Rare Beauty.

The Critical Chapter: Lupus, Kidney Failure, and The Gift of Life

Selena Gomez’s health crisis was a direct consequence of her battle with lupus, an unpredictable and chronic autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues and organs. For Gomez, the disease manifested as lupus nephritis, a severe inflammation of the kidneys that can lead to kidney failure. By 2017, the damage was so extensive that she required a life-saving kidney transplant.

The surgery, which took place in the summer of 2017, was a highly secretive and intense procedure. The donor was her friend, actress Francia Raisa, who selflessly volunteered one of her kidneys. This act of altruism instantly captured global attention, highlighting the severity of lupus and the critical need for organ donation. The procedure itself was not without complication; Gomez suffered a broken artery post-surgery, requiring an emergency follow-up operation to build a new artery using a vein from her leg. This harrowing detail underscores the life-and-death nature of the transplant experience.

The transplant was a success, but it marked the beginning of a new, lifelong medical regimen. To prevent her body from rejecting the new organ, Gomez must take a strict cocktail of immunosuppressant medications every day. These medications, while vital for the transplanted kidney's health, carry their own risks, including an increased susceptibility to infections and other long-term side effects.

The Long-Term Realities and Current Health Status (2025 Update)

The most recent reports, including statements made by Gomez in 2024, indicate that her health is stable and positive. Her lupus is in remission, a major milestone in her chronic disease management. Furthermore, her blood pressure is stable, and the transplanted kidney is functioning well, a testament to her diligent adherence to her treatment plan. However, life after a major organ transplant is defined by several permanent realities that Selena has chosen to share with the public.

  • Lupus Remission: The current status of remission is the goal for all lupus patients, meaning the disease is quiet and not actively attacking her organs. This is a crucial update for fans and the medical community.
  • The Scar is a Badge of Honor: Selena has openly embraced the surgical scar on her inner thigh—from the emergency procedure to repair the broken artery—and the scar on her abdomen from the transplant itself. She has stated that she is proud of her scars, viewing them as a symbol of survival and strength, a powerful message for body positivity and chronic illness awareness.
  • Impact on Fertility: One of the most significant long-term revelations is her inability to carry her own children. Gomez disclosed that the medications she must take for the rest of her life to prevent organ rejection prevent her from safely carrying a pregnancy. This candid admission sheds light on the hidden sacrifices and life-altering consequences of a kidney transplant.
  • Mental Health Management: Her physical health is intrinsically linked to her mental health. Gomez was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2020. The stress and trauma of chronic illness, the transplant, and the side effects of medications can all exacerbate mental health conditions, making her ongoing management of both lupus and bipolar disorder a complex, holistic challenge.

The Evolving Saga of Selena Gomez and Francia Raisa

The story of the kidney transplant is inextricably linked to the complex, and at times tumultuous, relationship between Selena Gomez and her donor, Francia Raisa. For years following the 2017 surgery, the two friends appeared close, but rumors of a serious feud began circulating around 2022 and 2023. These rumors were fueled by public comments and perceived slights regarding who Selena considered her "only friend" in the industry.

However, recent updates suggest a reconciliation and a renewed effort to maintain their bond. In July 2023, Gomez publicly wished Raisa a happy birthday on Instagram, calling her a "special human being," a gesture that signaled a thaw in their relationship. Raisa, in turn, has addressed the alleged feud, stating that "nobody knows the truth" of what happened between them, implying that the public narrative was incomplete and often sensationalized.

The latest information as of late 2025 shows that Raisa has spoken publicly about Gomez's life events, including her reported wedding, suggesting that despite the past friction, they maintain a level of communication and respect. The dynamic between a recipient and a living donor is unique and often strained by the immense weight of the life-saving gift. While their friendship may have shifted from its original intensity, the core fact remains: Francia Raisa’s selfless act of donation saved Selena Gomez’s life, a bond that is impossible to truly break, regardless of the personal ups and downs of their relationship.

Selena Gomez’s experience continues to be a powerful platform for raising awareness about systemic lupus erythematosus, the importance of organ donation, and the often-overlooked long-term physical and psychological challenges faced by transplant recipients. Her openness about her scars, her fertility struggles, and her mental health journey serves as an inspiration for millions living with chronic illness.

selena gomez kidney transplant
selena gomez kidney transplant

Detail Author:

  • Name : Brendon Fritsch Sr.
  • Username : chelsey.reinger
  • Email : nglover@yahoo.com
  • Birthdate : 2004-11-24
  • Address : 41718 Nathanael Club New Alftown, NV 78667-0954
  • Phone : (352) 222-9773
  • Company : Parisian Ltd
  • Job : Food Batchmaker
  • Bio : Aliquam tempora ut praesentium totam quidem. Sit aspernatur non tenetur qui aut reprehenderit molestias. Consequatur sunt impedit est minima.

Socials

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/sanford1981
  • username : sanford1981
  • bio : Veritatis accusamus tempore voluptatem veritatis quia. Possimus totam ab nostrum similique. Facilis temporibus nam vel at quaerat est.
  • followers : 4830
  • following : 52

linkedin:

facebook:

  • url : https://facebook.com/roger.sanford
  • username : roger.sanford
  • bio : Eius vel at quae. Ut sunt enim dolores aspernatur odio natus quod.
  • followers : 3149
  • following : 985

tiktok:

  • url : https://tiktok.com/@rogersanford
  • username : rogersanford
  • bio : Architecto accusantium non omnis incidunt reprehenderit excepturi mollitia.
  • followers : 6244
  • following : 47