Yolanda Foster and her family attended the Global Lyme Alliance’s “Uniting for a Lyme-Free World” gala on Thursday in New York City, according to the NY Daily News.
While accepting her “Power of One” award, the “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star made a heartbreaking speech about the unconditional support she received from her family.
“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," the 51-year-old said.
Bella Hadid is 18 years old while Anwar is 16, according to People.
“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,” continued the former model.
“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’s eldest daughter, model Gigi Hadid, opened up about her mom’s struggle with the disease, and how she has fought through it.
“She couldn't drive, she never wanted music being played,” said the 20-year-old.
“She couldn't watch TV, she would cry herself to sleep because she was in too much pain to come to my volleyball games and couldn't read a full page of a book without having to return to the top to remember what happened."
Although Foster hasn’t been able to be the “kick-ass mom” that she always was, Foster has connected with her children via social media, making sure to be a part of their lives in any way possible.
“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."
