Yolanda Foster Reveals Her Kids Bella & Anwar Also Battle Lyme Disease: Gigi Hadid Praises ‘Real Housewives’ Mom

Yolanda Foster has battled Lyme disease for several years and has been candid about every aspect of her struggles. But now Yolanda is sharing that Bella and Anwar Hadid, two of Foster’s children, also have been diagnosed with the debilitating disease, reported E News.

Also the mom of supermodel Gigi Hadid, Yolanda has become known as a spokeswoman for Lyme disease, from the symptoms to the search for a cure. But Foster is only now revealing the battle that her children, 19-year-old Bella and 16-year-old Anwar, also are fighting.

Yolanda, known as one of the cast members of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (RHOBH), shared the revelation about her offspring when Foster, 51, was at the Global Lyme Alliance gala. Yolanda, wife of David Foster, was given the “Power of One” Award at the event.

“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 Yolanda.

Since Foster learned that she had Lyme disease in 2012, she herself has not been silent. Using both social media and her role on Real Housewives as her platform, Yolanda raised awareness of the illness and its complications.

In attendance at the gal to show their support were Yolanda’s husband and all three children. Gigi Hadid was there with boyfriend Joe Jonas, and she made it clear in her own speech just how proud she feels of her mother.

“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,'” said the 20-year-old supermodel.

Gigi then pointed out that Foster used the platform given to her through RHOBH to help others understand Lyme disease.

“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.”

Yolanda shared her regret about how having Lyme disease has impacted her parenting. Foster has revealed that at times, her symptoms were so debilitating that she was bedridden, and that meant that as Gigi and Bella succeeded as supermodels, she was absent physically. But, emphasized Yolanda, she was always there for them emotionally and followed them on social media with dedication.

“I used to be a pretty cool, smart, multi-tasking, kicka** 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,” joked Foster.

When Yolanda accepted the award, she dedicated it to Bella and Anwar, promising that she will continue to seek a cure.

Foster has described every aspect of her struggle to survive the scary symptoms of Lyme disease, reported People.

Yolanda revealed that she, at one point, could not even watch TV, read, or write. Foster first had to battle to get diagnosed accurately, and now has tried treatments ranging from antibiotics to holistic protocols.

And as part of her goal in helping others, Yolanda reached out to Avril Lavigne when she learned that the singer also had Lyme disease.

“I am so proud of her for going public and helping us bring awareness to this debilitating disease,” said Foster.

As the Inquisitr reported, Lyme disease is transmitted to humans by a tick infected with the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. That tiny creature attaches itself to the body and just by clinging there for 36 to 48 hours, transmits the disease to its human recipient.

After someone gets infected, 80 percent notice a rash. It looks like a target for shooting: The center may be a solid red with a white ring around it. In addition, those infected might feel feverish or chilly and experience an aching sensation or pain. But progressive symptoms can be devastating.

For those with chronic or persistent Lyme disease, such as Yolanda, symptoms can include exhaustion, muscle aches, and cognitive dysfunction. But Foster has carried on with her life, including starring on RHOBH.

[Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Global Lyme Alliance]