Yolanda Foster has sadly revealed other members of her family have also suffered from Lyme disease.
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While accepting the "Power of One" Award at the inaugural Global Lyme Alliance gala in New York on Thursday, according to E! News, Foster shared her story.
"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 of me," said Foster, who had also been diagnosed with Lyme disease three years ago.
"I am so sorry for all the important things I have missed in your life these past four years. I used to be a pretty cool, smart, multi-tasking, kickass mom, but all three of you, all three of my children really got short-changed with a dumb blonde in the white robe, that mostly lives her life in bed."
Foster reportedly lost her ability to write, read and watch TV for a while due to the disease. However, she found creative ways to stay in touch with her children's lives.
"I did turn into a professional social media stalker, though -- liking every Twitter and Instagram you have ever posted, just to let you know that I was watching you from afar and right by your side in spirit at all times," the reality TV star explained.
Foster's immediate family attended the event and her other daughter Gigi Hadid, a successful model, introduced her onstage.
"I remember when she was going into the first season of filming, she said to me, 'I don't know why this show was brought to my life, but for some reason, I think it will lead to something bigger,'" Gigi, 20, said in her speech.
"She realized that she could use this platform of this world-famous television show 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."
Foster dedicated her award to Anwar and Bella, according to E! News, promising them she'll do everything in her power to prevent their pain and suffering. She insisted she'd "walk to the end of the earth to find a cure" so they can live the healthy lives they deserve.
"No child should suffer the way that you do... I thank you both for your extraordinary selflessness during this journey. Your unwavering love and compassion has kept me alive and fighting through the darkest days of my life," Foster noted.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski
