Model and fashion icon, Bella Hadid, has shared a personal update on her health (along with some moving photos), after fans expressed concern that she's been away from the spotlight recently – missing key events like Paris Fashion Week.
Posting on Instagram, Bella explained to her 59 million followers that she has been struggling with Lyme's Disease and co-infections, and shared a series of images in a carousel (including a doctor's letter from when she was seventeen-years-old and photos of her undergoing various treatments).
In her caption, Bella thanked her mother (Yolanda Hadid) for keeping all of her medical records safe since childhood and for sticking by her, as well as "protecting, supporting, but most of all, believing me through all of this".
The model also took a moment to reflect on her experience of having a chronic illness whilst also living a very privileged life. "To be that sad and sick with the most blessings/privilege/opportunity/love around me was quite possibly the most confusing thing ever," she explained. "One thing I want to express to you all is that 1) I am okay and you do not have to worry ♥️ and 2) I wouldn’t change anything for the world. If I had to go through all of this again, to get here, to this exact moment I’m in right now, with all of you, finally healthy, I would do it all again. It made me who I am today."
Bella added that her illness has given her "so much gratitude for and perspective on life" and said that her health (both mental and physical) is now moving in a positive direction.
"I tried to pick the most positive pictures I could because as painful as this experience was, the outcome was the most enlightening experience of my life filled with new friends, new visions and a new brain."
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She ended her post by telling fans she misses them, loves them and will be back when she's ready and able to be.
Showing her support in the comments, Bella's sister, Gigi, wrote "I love u I am so proud and happy 4 u !" and fellow model Winnie Harlow added, "God bless you on your journey 🙏🏽❤️ focusing on Yourself is so important!! 🦋 love u".
Bella also shared a sweet carousel of images showing her and her dog, Beans, who "never left her side" throughout this tough time.
We're so glad to hear that Bella is on the mend and in a strong headspace.
Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK's multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She's grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC’s Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women’s Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
