Selena Gomez. Photo by PopularImages

Being in the Hollywood spotlight can be exhausting, especially when you have things going on in your life that you want to keepĀ personal and private.

Former Disney starlet and singing sensation Selena Gomez has recently taken a break from the public eye, and fans were shocked to learn why!

Although we all seem to believe that Hollywood stars are invincible, Gomez has come forward to reveal that not everything is as it seems.

The 25-year-old star went public in 2015 about her battle with lupus, a condition that causes an inflammatory response throughout the body, attacking vital organs such as the skin, heart, kidneys, and brain.

“I was diagnosed with lupus, and I’ve been through chemotherapy. That’s what my break was really about,” Gomez admitted about her time spent in a treatment facility in 2014.

Recently, Gomez has undergone major medical surgery, and she has let the world in on her story.

The 25-year-old singer seemed to go missing over the summer, and she wanted to let her fans know what was really going on.

“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,” she stated on Instagram.

The singer posted photos of her scar, and she also shared who herĀ gracious donor was.

Gomez recently shared a photo of her post-operation, with her friend and donor by her side. TheĀ Secret Life of the American Teenager actress,Ā Francia Raisa, is the brave woman who went under the knife for Gomez.

The 29-year-old actress and Gomez are extremely close friends, and Gomez revealed her gratitude in an Instagram post.

“She gave me the ultimate gift and sacrifice by donating her kidney to me. I am incredibly blessed. I love you so much sis,” Gomez wrote.

Although she is still in recovery ā€” and battling her disease ā€” she hopes that her story will bring awareness to this devastating condition.

“Lupus continues to be very misunderstood but progress is being made,” Gomez stated. She also urges fans to visit the Lupus Research Alliance website to become more aware of this debilitating disease.

“I know I am not alone by sharing this. I hope others will be encouraged to address their own issues,” the singer wrote.

Here’s to a speedy recovery, Selena!