Yolanda Hadid is opening up about the heartbreak of watching her daughter Bella battle Lyme disease. On September 18, the former “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star, 61, shared hospital photos of the 28-year-old model and poured out her feelings as a mother, admitting that seeing her child suffer has left her with “the deepest core of hopelessness.”
Bella Hadid’s Brave Fight Through Pain
Yolanda praised Bella for her courage, calling her a “warrior” and “relentless” despite years of setbacks. “No child is supposed to suffer in their body with an incurable chronic disease,” she wrote. “There simply aren’t words big enough for the darkness, the pain, and the unknown hell you’ve lived through since your diagnosis in 2013.”
(Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Global Lyme Alliance)She added, “I am so proud of the fighter that you are. You are not alone, I promise to have your back every step of the way, no matter how long this takes.” Here’s more from her heartbreaking note:
Mom Yolanda added, “You are relentless and courageous. No child is supposed to suffer in their body with an incurable chronic disease. I admire your bravery and your willingness to keep fighting for health despite the failing protocols and countless setbacks you have faced.
There simply aren’t words big enough for the darkness, the pain, and the unknown hell you’ve lived through since your diagnosis in 2013. You didn’t really live — you learned how to exist inside the jail of your own paralyzed brain.”
Bella Shares Her Own Update
(Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)The post came one day after Bella shared photos of herself from a hospital bed, apologizing for her absence. “I’m sorry I always go MIA I love you guys,” she wrote in her caption, showing herself hooked up to IV bags.
Her mother responded with, “❤️Lyme warrior,” while sister Gigi Hadid added, “I love you! I hope you feel as strong and good as u deserve, soon!!!!!!”
The Family’s Battle With Lyme Disease
GettyBella, her mom, Yolanda, and her brother Anwar were all diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2012. In 2016, Bella told People magazine: “Life isn’t always what it looks like on the outside. The hardest part of this journey is to be judged by the way you look instead of the way you feel.”
Lyme disease, caused by the borrelia bacteria transmitted through deer tick bites, can lead to severe complications. According to the CDC, neurological Lyme can result in pain, numbness, facial palsy, visual issues, and meningitis symptoms like fever and stiff neck.
