For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails
Sign up to our free breaking news emails
Bella Hadid and her brother Anwar are battling Lyme Disease, according to their mother, Yolanda Foster — who also suffers with the disease.
According to People, Foster revealed her daughter, 18, and son, 16, have the disease at the Global Lyme Alliance inaugural gala this week, where she accepted an award.
Foster, 51, who features in the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, was diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2012. She often discusses her experience with the disease through social media and blogs; in January, 2015 she said a relapse had left her unable to read, write and watch television.
During her acceptance speech at the awards in New York, she said: “When my two youngest children, Bella and Anwar, were diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease in early 2012, watching my babies struggle in silence in order to support me in my journey, struck the deepest core of hopelessness inside me.”
She dedicated the award to her two youngest children, saying: “This award is for Anwar and Bella. This is my token and my promise to you that I will not allow you to live a life of pain and suffering. 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, 18, is a model along with elder sister Gigi, 20, who introduced the award to her mother at the event on Thursday.
People news in pictures
Show all 18
Lyme disease is a rare condition spread to humans by infected ticks. Symptoms, which can develop months or years later, can include tiredness and muscle pain. Severe symptoms can include arthritis, meningitis and inflammation of the heart muscle, according to the NHS.
Last month, Phones 4u founder John Caudwell said his ex-wife and children had been diagnosed with the disease.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies