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Selena Gomez Unveils Tattoo Commemorating Her Kidney Transplant Surgery


Selena Gomez continues to be an inspiration when it comes to significant tattoos, and her latest ink adventure is no exception.

Upon the release of her new album Rare, the singer shared some BTS pics from the title track’s music video. In one shot, you can make out a series of numbers on the back of the singer-songwriter’s upper right arm, seemingly signifying a date in June 2017. As noted by Page Six, the tat represents the date that Gomez had kidney transplant surgery in order to treat the lupus that she was battling at the time.

In a December 2019 interview with Capital FM, the singer confirmed the meaning behind her arm tattoo, revealing that she got the ink along with her good friend, Francia Raisa, who served as the kidney donor for her surgery.

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Gomez and Raisa have been open about the process of undergoing surgery together, with both stars speaking candidly about the challenges and ultimate positive outcome of the experience. “I just really hope that we can help somebody,” the 27-year-old said in an October 2017 Today interview. “I don’t think what we went through was easy, I don’t think it was fun. I just hope this inspires people to feel good and to know that there are really good people in the world.”

Given that, it makes sense for Gomez and Francia to want to commemorate their surgery in a permanent way—especially since the singer has a host of other significant tats. She has matching “#1” tattoos with BFF Courtney Barry, along with coordinating arrows with bestie and collaborator, Julia Michaels. She even has matching semicolon tattoos with some of the 13 Reasons Why cast members as a nod to Project Semicolon, an organization dedicated to the prevention of suicide.





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The Weeknd Reportedly Scheduled His Tour Around Selena Gomez's Kidney Transplant


PHOTO: Jim Spellman/WireImage/Getty Images

The Weeknd (a.k.a. Abel Tesfaye) may make a good Instagram husband for Selena Gomez, but that’s just a small reason why he’s a good partner for her. One big one, however? His support for Selena Gomez during her struggles with her health.

The “Fetish” singer recently revealed in an emotional Instagram post that she underwent a kidney transplant this summer. While her friend Francia Raisa was the one who selflessly donated the kidney, it seems her boyfriend of almost a year was also an incredibly supportive figure throughout the emotional and physically painful time. According to People, the R&B singer even scheduled his performances around Selena’s surgery and recovery.

Though Selena has not revealed the exact date of her surgery, we do know that The Weeknd had some breaks in his tour schedule this summer; per People, he was initially announced as a performer for the 2017 MTV VMAs on August 27, but he did not appear, making fans speculate it was so he could spend more time with Gomez. (The two have been spotted on several dates around New York City over the summer—even reportedly moving in together and getting a puppy—so the speculation is fitting.)

Furthermore, TMZ is reporting that Selena went in to kidney failure in May as a result of complications from lupus, a disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack its own organs and tissues. Selena was reportedly suffering while visiting The Weeknd on tour in Chicago and Abel was “right by her side.” (TMZ adds that at that point Selena was already on a kidney transplant list.)

The Weeknd has yet to say anything publicly about his girlfriend’s health, but he has been showing his love and support in more subtle ways as of late. Glad to see Selena has a strong support system to help her recover.

Related: Francia Raisa Breaks Her Silence on Donating Her Kidney to Selena Gomez



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Selena Gomez Reveals She Had a Kidney Transplant In Emotional Instagram Post


PHOTO: Selena Gomez/Instagram

Selena Gomez had a busy summer—releasing new music, reportedly moving in with her boyfriend—but her fans may have noticed that the star wasn’t out in the public eye much despite having new songs to promote. This morning, Gomez revealed why: a few months ago, she received a kidney transplant, which she needed due to complications from lupus.

“I found out I needed to get a kidney transplant due to my Lupus and was recovering,” Gomez wrote on Instagram of her extended absence over the last few months. “It was what I needed to do for my overall health.” Gomez has been public about her battle with lupus, a disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack its own organs and tissues, since being diagnosed in 2014 and undergoing chemotherapy to treat it in 2015. An organ transplant is a major surgery, and the gravity wasn’t lost on Gomez, who also wrote: “I want to publicly thank my family and incredible team of doctors for everything they have done for me prior to and post-surgery.”

But the most incredible part of Gomez’s story has to be her donor, longtime friend Francia Raisa (that’s her in the photo, in the hospital with Gomez). “She gave me the ultimate gift and sacrifice by donating her kidney to me. I am incredibly blessed. I love you so much sis.”

One of the most selfless and brave things a person can do is donate an organ, and it’s amazing to see Gomez publicly acknowledging that (with 2.1 million likes so far on the post, it seems Raisa is getting the recognition she deserves).

Gomez’s fans are already flooding the star with love and get-well-soon wishes, but as she writes herself, the best way to show her support is to get educated about lupus, a still-misunderstood disease.

To learn more, Gomez recommends checking out the Lupus Research Alliance.



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