Bella Hadid’s Lyme Disease Battle in Her Own Words: ‘It Made Me Who I Am Today’

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Bella Hadid has spoken candidly about her struggles with Lyme disease over the years.The model was diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2012 at age 16.

Bella, however, wasn’t the only one in her family who has been publicly battling the illness. Her mother, Yolanda Hadid, confirmed at the Global Lyme Alliance Gala in 2015 that Bella and brother Anwar Hadid were dealing with the debilitating disease.Bella’s sister Gigi Hadid later praised her for prioritizing her health. “Bella just finished a long and intense treatment for Lyme disease,” Gigi wrote via Instagram in August 2023 about Bella’s break from the runway. “(Didn’t want some to take my post as a promise she’ll be back for shows this next season…) I’m so proud of her and excited for her comeback whenever she feels ready.”That same month, Bella offered a glimpse at her treatment in an effort to encourage others going through the same experience.“The universe works in the most painful and beautiful ways but I need to say that if you are struggling — it will get better, I promise,” she wrote via Instagram alongside a photo of her getting IV treatments. “Take a step away, stay strong, have faith in your path, walk in your truth and the clouds will start to clear up.”Bella concluded: “Almost 15 years of invisible suffering, was all worth it if I’m able to, God willing, have a lifetime of spreading love from a full cup, and being able to truly be myself for the first time ever. … I’ll be back when I’m ready.

I miss you all so much. I love you all so much.”Scroll down for details about Bella’s battle with Lyme disease in her own words:One month after her mother revealed her diagnosis, Bella broke her silence about the health struggle.“It affected my memory, so I suddenly