Selena Gomez's friend speaks out for first time since giving her a kidney

Pop princess Selena Gomez bravely revealed news of her recent kidney transplant in a heartwarming post to her Instagram account yesterday, and now her friend who donated a kidney to her has spoken.

Francia Raisa, the brave actress who gave up one of her kidneys for Selena, has taken to her own Instagram page to share the now famous image of herself and Selena holding hands in their hospital beds.

Alongside the photo, Francia wrote, '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. ❤️ x'

After fans of Selena were left wondering where she was after being quiet on social media in the last few weeks, the 'Bad Liar' singer shared a number of photos detailing her recent operation.

As well as sharing the photo of herself and Francia, Selena also showed off her stomach scar to fans.

Selena was forced to have a kidney transplant after suffering with autoimmune disease Lupus. Lupus is a complex and poorly understood condition that affects many parts of the body. The symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening.

She wrote, '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.'

She then went on to tell fans she will be sharing the journey with them when she added, '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.'

Selena then publicy thanked everybody who's helped her out including her friend Francia, she wrote, '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.

Fans of the singer were quick to send their messages of support and well wishes to Selena and her friend.

One fan wrote, 'Get well you are so strong!! I have lupus and yesterday I had a broken vertebrae repaired and this just brought tears . Such friendship!', with another adding, 'Everything will gonna be alright.💓💓💓'.

A third then wrote, 'I'm so proud of you. You are stronger than lupus. God bless you my love.💚'.

Selena and Bring It On: All or Nothing actress Francia Raisa have been close friends since 2008 and just last year she paid a touching tribute to the singer to celebrate her birthday.

She wrote, 'I am obsessed with every memory we've built in the last 8 years and the ones we have yet to create. I am so grateful that God put you in my life when he did. It's been so inspiring watching you grow and to grow with you. I learn so much from you and I'm so so so proud of you. Happy Birthday Hermana. Love you so so so much.'

We wish Selena and Francia a speedy recovery! ❤️

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