Bella Hadid Shines at Paris Fashion Week Despite Lyme Disease Battle
SHOCKING HEALTH BATTLE EXPOSED: BELLA HADID'S 13-YEAR LYME DISEASE ORDEAL AND HER MOTHER YOLANDA'S EMOTIONAL TRIBUTE
The glamorous world of fashion came alive in Paris last Monday, but amidst the catwalks and designer outfits, a more serious story unfolded. Supermodel Bella Hadid, 28, stepped out at the city's Fashion Week, flashing a beaming smile as she waved to her fans and posed for a quick selfie.
But behind the radiant façade lies a heartbreaking health battle that has plagued the Dutch-American beauty for over a decade. In an Instagram update shared just days ago, Bella revealed the grueling reality of living with Lyme disease since age 16. The condition has left her feeling like she's "learned how to exist" rather than truly live.
Bella's mother, Yolanda Hadid (formerly van den Herik), a Real Housewives alum and herself a Lyme disease survivor, posted an emotional tribute to her daughter on social media last week. The 61-year-old mother expressed her admiration for Bella's bravery and willingness to fight against the debilitating illness. "You are not alone, I promise to have your back every step of the way," Yolanda wrote, vowing to support her daughter through the long and arduous journey towards recovery.
The Hadid family has been open about their struggles with Lyme disease for years. In 2012, Yolanda revealed that she contracted the tickborne illness and began a quest to find a cure. However, it's Bella who has borne the brunt of the condition, facing countless setbacks and failed treatments over the past 13 years.
Bella's recent Instagram post shared new photos of her health struggles, including an image of herself connected to an oxygen tank and IV drip in bed. The pictures sparked concerns among fans, but Bella reassured them that she is "okay" and "finally healthy."
Despite the challenges, Bella declared on social media last year, "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."
But Lyme disease isn't just a Hadid family issue; many celebrities have publicly battled the condition. Justin Timberlake, Shania Twain, Justin Bieber, Avril Lavigne, Alec Baldwin, Amy Schumer, Ben Stiller, Riley Keough, Daryl Hall, Debbie Gibson, Alexis Ohanian Sr., Kelly Osbourne, Ryan Sutter, and Ramona Singer are just a few of the notable names affected by Lyme disease.
Yolanda's dedication to finding a cure for her family has been unwavering. In her book Believe Me, she shares her experiences with over 100 doctors and numerous alternative treatments, including Stem Cell transplants, Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, Chelation therapy, colon hydrotherapy, among others. Despite the challenges, Yolanda remains determined to find a cure that's affordable for all.
Bella's latest appearance in Paris marked a low-key outing amidst the Fashion Week festivities. The blonde bombshell donned a leather coat with a fur trim to brave the autumn weather and styled her hair in plaits. However, it was clear that beneath the glamorous exterior lay a more serious story – one of perseverance, determination, and hope.
The Hadid family's unwavering commitment to fighting Lyme disease serves as a beacon of inspiration for those affected by the condition. As Bella and her mother continue their battle against this debilitating illness, they remain hopeful that better days are ahead.