Bella Hadid's Unveiling: Battling Intense Lyme Disease Treatment Takes Toll, Yet One Remarkable Decision Remains

Bella Hadid Courtesy of Bella Hadid/Instagram

Bella Hadid has shared her experience of undergoing treatment for Lyme disease, describing it as a challenging and lengthy process. Gigi Hadid, her older sister, referred to it as both "long and intense."

Taking to Instagram on Sunday, August 6, Bella, aged 26, shared pictures from her 100-day treatment and expressed gratitude for her mother, Yolanda Hadid. She thanked her for her unwavering support throughout the journey, never leaving her side, and believing in her, alongside keeping all of her medical records intact.

She said, "Living in this state, deteriorating over time and through hard work while striving to make myself, my family, and my supporters proud, has taken a toll on me in ways that are hard to explain. It was incredibly confusing to be so unhappy and unwell despite having so many blessings, privileges, opportunities, and love around me. I want to reassure you all that 1: I am okay and there's no need to worry, and 2: I wouldn't change anything for the world. If I had to go through all of this again to reach this exact moment where I am now, surrounded by all of you and finally healthy, I would do it all over again. It has shaped me into the person I am today."

Bella was first diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2012 at the age of 16, not long after her mother Yolanda, who is now 59, was also diagnosed with the illness. Yolanda, who shares her model children Bella and Anwar, 24, with her ex-husband Mohamed Hadid, confirmed during the Global Lyme Alliance Gala in October 2015 that both Bella and Anwar also struggle with the tick-borne disease.

Gigi expressed through her Instagram Story that Bella recently underwent a comprehensive and demanding treatment. The 28-year-old Guest in Residence designer shared her pride in Bella on Thursday, August 3, and expressed excitement for her return to the runway whenever she feels prepared.

Bella Hadid, courtesy of her Instagram account, also extended words of encouragement to individuals facing similar diagnoses in her Sunday message. "The universe operates in both difficult and exquisite ways, but I want to assure you that if you are struggling, it will improve, I guarantee it," Bella wrote. "Take a moment to distance yourself, remain resilient, have faith in your journey, embrace your authenticity, and you will begin to see a brighter future."

Bella expressed deep gratitude and a new perspective on life after undergoing a lengthy treatment for her infection. She believes that the almost 15 years of unseen suffering were worth it if she can now spread love and embrace her true self. In order to showcase her transformed mindset, Bella wants to share "positive" images from her painful treatment, highlighting her IV treatments and medical equipment. Bella assures her loved ones that she will return when she feels ready, expressing how much she misses and loves them all.