Yolanda Hadid speaks out as Bella Hadid battles chronic Lyme disease
Mother’s post highlights ongoing treatment as Bella Hadid fights chronic neurological Lyme disease and family advocates for care access
Yolanda Hadid published a heartfelt note on Thursday about her daughter Bella Hadid's ongoing fight with chronic neurological Lyme disease.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum also shared several images showing Bella in a hospital while receiving treatment for the illness, which the model has described having for years. Bella has lived with Lyme disease for roughly a decade, with the family noting a diagnosis around 2013 and ongoing treatment since 2016.
In her post, Yolanda says she is leading the Lyme journey and has spent years seeking a cure that would be affordable for all. She notes she paused sharing her own story to focus on healing, and she hopes to later share what they have learned with the Lyme community when lab results reflect progress. The message underscores a long familial effort to understand and manage the disease while supporting Bella through a demanding treatment path.
Bella also posted on Instagram the day before about her treatment, apologizing for going MIA and thanking supporters. The captions accompanied images from an overseas hospital visit that showed an IV in her arm and other indicators of ongoing care. Family and fans watched as she posted photos of treatment, with messages of encouragement and concern about her health.
Gigi Hadid, Bella’s sister, quickly offered support in the comments, and several high-profile followers and peers weighed in with messages of encouragement. Among those who engaged with the post were Kourtney Kardashian, Candice Swanepoel, Helena Christensen and Elle Macpherson, who pressed the like button or offered supportive remarks.
Lyme disease is caused by bacteria transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. Early symptoms commonly include fever, fatigue, and headaches, while untreated infection can affect joints, the heart, and the nervous system. In many cases, antibiotics can treat early Lyme disease, but chronic or neuroborreliosis forms can require longer and more complex treatment. The details reflect the broader health context of Bella and her family as they navigate a long-running medical challenge.
The notes recount Bella Belfifth Hadid’s documented history with Lyme disease, including references to medical records from years past that outline symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive challenges, sleep disturbances, and other issues commonly associated with the illness. The family has long described the condition as an invisible disability that has shaped Bella’s experiences in modeling and life in the public eye.
As the family continues to share their journey, they emphasize resilience and ongoing efforts to improve treatment options and access. Yolanda Hadid concludes that while the disease has brought them to their knees at times, they remain determined to stand back up and push for better days for Bella and others affected by Lyme disease. The public updates and messages of support reflect a continued commitment to health advocacy and to supporting Bella through the next phases of treatment.