Yolanda Foster reveals daughter Bella Hadid diagnosed with Lyme disease
- Published
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star has revealed that two of her children - Bella, 18 and Anwar, 16 - were diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease in early 2012.
Yolanda herself contracted the tick-borne illness and has since been open about her battle.
While being honoured at the Global Lyme Alliance Gala in New York, the 51-year-old paid tribute to her children.
She promised that she will not allow them to live a life of pain.
During her tearful acceptance speech she said: "Watching my babies struggle in silence in order to support me in my journey, struck the deepest core of hopelessness inside of me."
"I will walk to the end of the earth to find a cure so that you can live a healthy life that you deserve."
Bella with her family, sister Gigi, brother Anwar and mum Yolanda
Eldest daughter Gigi, 20, spoke on her mother using her RHOBH fame to spread awareness.
"She was honest, unapologetic, and raw in how she portrayed Lyme disease on social media and on the show from the second she announced to the world she had been diagnosed."
According to the NHS, there are up to 3,000 new cases of Lyme disease detected each year across England and Wales.
What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease occurs when a tick - infected with bacteria from biting certain animals - then bites into the skin of a human.
Most commonly found in woodland and heath areas, the tick is more likely to infect you if attached to your skin for more than 24 hours.
Lyme disease can be contracted when an infected tick bites into your skin and starts feeding on your blood
What are the symptoms?
In many people the earliest symptom of Lyme disease would be a distinctive circular rash similar to that of a bull's-eye on a dart board.
However, one in three people with Lyme disease won't develop this rash.
Other symptoms include those similar to flu such as fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain, headaches, fever, chills and neck stiffness.
More serious symptoms which may develop, if left untreated, include problems affecting the nervous system, pain and swelling in the joints, and heart problems.
Can it be treated?
The NHS website says that Lyme disease can often be treated effectively if it's detected early on.
Most people will be given a course of antibiotics to take over a two-to-four week course. If symptoms are particularly severe they may be required to be administered via. injection.
There is currently no vaccine to prevent contracting the illness.
The celeb condition?
Ashley Olsen (right) has reportedly battled with the illness
Yolanda Foster and her family are not the only celebrities suffering with this chronic disease.
Avril Lavigne spoke out about her diagnosis earlier this year.
Although you wouldn't necessarily link red carpet stars to woodland areas... reportedly, Ashley Olsen, Richard Gere, Ben Stiller, Christy Turlington and Alec Baldwin have all battled with the illness too.
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