Bella Hadid assures fans that she will be back to work “when I’m ready” after undergoing lengthy treatment for Lyme disease, dispelling rumors that she has permanently stepped back from the catwalk.
The American model has been absent from major fashion events, such as the Met Gala and Paris Fashion Week. However, in an Instagram post on Sunday, Hadid shared her journey of battling Lyme disease and chronic illness for over 15 years, with more than 100 days of treatment.
She posted several photos documenting her treatment and medical diagnoses, emphasizing the debilitating nature of her illness. Hadid wrote, “Living in this state, worsening with time and work while trying to make myself, my family, and my supporters proud, has taken a toll on me in ways I can’t really explain.”
Despite her struggles, she reassured her nearly 60 million Instagram followers that she is on the path to recovery. Hadid stated, “I am okay, and you do not have to worry. I’ll be back when I’m ready.”
In her journey towards healing, the 26-year-old model expressed gratitude towards her healthcare team and her mother for their unwavering support. She mentioned that she has finally achieved a state of health and has grown as an individual through her treatment.
In April, Hadid disclosed that a root canal surgery had aggravated her Lyme disease symptoms. Lyme disease is contracted through tick bites carrying the borrelia bacteria. The initial symptoms include fever, headache, and tiredness, which can worsen over time if left untreated, leading to immune system problems and joint stiffness.
Bella Hadid’s uplifting message demonstrates her resilience and determination to overcome her health challenges, assuring her fans that she will return to the fashion scene when she is fully prepared.