American model Bella Hadid has been an inspiring figure to her fans as well as co-workers, not just because of her excellent work ethic but also due to her winning attitude despite the constant struggles in life.
Her struggle with Lyme disease is already well-known, but her recent post with images from her vulnerable moments during treatments has won everyone over again. It is easy to forget the sufferings of strong people such as her.
Let’s take this moment to fully acknowledge her journey and learn about her latest health update.
Who Is Bella Hadid?
Bella Hadid is an American model who opted for the modeling career path at the age of 16. Throughout her career, she has made 29 appearances on Vogue covers. She was also named the Model of the Year by the British Fashion Council in 2022.
Hadid is one of the most successful models in the world and has a dedicated fan following. Bella’s net worth is estimated to be $25 million.
Her real name is Isabella Khairiah “Bella” Hadid, and she was born in October 1996 in LA. Bella Hadid is the daughter of former model Yolanda Hadid, and her sister is Gigi Hadid. She has been featured in Dior, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger campaigns, and many other brands.
How Did Bella Hadid and Her Family Catch Lyme Disease?
Bella Hadid was diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2012. Bella’s mother, Yolanda Hadid, also had undiagnosed Lyme disease for years until it was caught in 2012. Later, Bella’s brother, Anwar Hadid, was also revealed to be fighting the same illness. Lyme disease is typically caused by tick bites.
The model experienced fatigue, fever, headache, and joint pain while suffering from the disease. Her treatment was a long and hefty procedure, including antibiotics, physical therapy, and even a holistic approach. Diet and stress management were also a vital part of her recovery.
Yolanda Hadid shared her experience as she came down with migraines and hair loss pre-diagnosis. She fought brain fog, blurry vision, and insomnia coupled with all the usual symptoms of the infection. Only the thought of her two children fighting the same thing kept her afloat.
As Bella Hadid and two of her immediate family members were diagnosed with Lyme disease, it has led to many people questioning if it’s genetic; however, not enough data exists to prove so.
Bella Hadid’s Recent Update
Bella Hadid recently updated everyone on how she has been coping with Lyme disease. Her lengthy Instagram post detailed her long journey. She began the emotional caption with, “the little me that suffered would be so proud of grown me for not giving up on myself.”
Hadid revealed that she had spent over a hundred days in treatment for her condition, in addition to the past 15 years of suffering.
In the post, Bella thanked her mom for always sticking with her and assured fans, “I am okay, and you do not have to worry.” It seems she is on her way to becoming healthy. She shared how she stayed positive all this while and valued the support she had for years. The last message said that she would be back when she was ready.
The images posted show us the heart-wrenching moments from her treatment, her medical records, and her sweet dog by her side.
Gigi Hadid also previously shared a throwback picture from a show both had modeled in and captioned it with “Can’t wait 4 the comebaccckkkkkk.” However, this gave many people the impression that Bella is already cured and will return soon.
Gigi later clarified, “Bella just finished a long and intense treatment for Lyme disease. (Didn’t want some to take my post as a promise she’ll be back for shows this next season …)”
Bella Hadid was absent from the New York Fashion Week runway in February and missed the Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week in July. The 2023 Met Gala passed without her presence. Due to her recovery still under process, it is unknown if she will return to the runway in September.
What Is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused after being bitten by a tick. It is a common tick-borne disease in the United States. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and skin rash.
The infection can also spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system. Most cases can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotics.
The early signs include a characteristic rash at the bite site within 3-30 days after getting infected. Fever, chills, fatigue, aches, and swollen lymph nodes may occur even if the rash isn’t present.
Some of the later and more severe signs include severe headache and neck stiffness or facial palsy. The initial joint pain can develop into arthritis. Heart palpitations, episodes of dizziness, nerve pain, shooting pain, numbness, or even inflammation of the brain and spinal cord can follow.
The severe symptoms of Lyme disease bring into perspective the intense suffering that Bella Hadid and her family had to endure. Share your best wishes in the comments below.