Supermodel Anok Yai revealed she has been diagnosed with a congenital lung defect that’s been “overworking my heart and slowly destroying my lungs.”
On Friday, Dec. 19, the 28-year-old Victoria Secret model shared a candid post on Instagram, detailing her “silent” health battle. “[The cough] turned to chest pains, bouts of coughing up blood, then at times struggling to breathe,” she recalled. “I chose to work through this while trying to find the right doctor and the right time. I quickly realized there was never going to be a ‘right time’ —my health would continue to worsen.”
Yai continued, “I’ve always thought I could outwork or outrun anything but the universe has a way of slowing you down and waking you up. So, yesterday I had a successful robotic lung surgery thanks to Dr. Robert Cerfolio and his gracious and talented team who I am forever indebted to for giving me more time.”
The robotic surgery is a minimally invasive lung operation technique that utilizes small incisions and a robotic system to perform the surgery, according to the American Lung Association.
“I am forever grateful for Dr. Harmik Soukiasian and everyone at the @beverlyhillsconciergehealth for discovering my condition,” Yai added, thanking her medical team. “Thank you to all the doctors and amazing nurses at @nyulangone, and thank you to my friends and family for being the first thing I saw when I woke up.”
Yai is now in recovery.
“For now, I’m healing … but I’ll be back,” she concluded her Friday statement. “See ya.”
Fellow celebrities left supporting notes under Yai’s Instagram post.. Naomi Campbell wrote, “Sending you love . light and healing .,, may God cover and protect you.”
Actress Taraji P. Henson commented , “You are healed in Jesus mighty name.”
Winnie Harlow also sent love by saying, “God Bless you in your healing ❤️ God bless your family and all of your strength. Everything will be here waiting for you. Your health never waits, proud of you for putting you first.”