Supermodel Anok Yai shared heartbreaking news about her health, leaving social media stunned and emotional. Just days after being named the 2025 Model of the Year, Yai revealed on Friday (Dec. 19) that she was quietly battling a serious medical condition, news that has shaken fans and colleagues in the fashion industry.
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The South Sudanese-American supermodel, rose to fame in 2017 after a photo of her went viral, launching one of the fastest ascents in fashion history. Since then, Yai has walked for renowned luxury houses such as Prada, Versace, and Dior, establishing her as a trailblazer among Black models on high-fashion runways and making headlines for walking in Vetements’ Fall runway show.
But while dominating on the runway, the 28-year-old was fighting for her life behind the scenes.
In a vulnerable social media post, Yai revealed that she was diagnosed with a congenital defect that had been “overworking” her heart and “slowly destroying” her lungs.
Fans were shocked to see a video of the supermodel lying in a hospital bed, opening up about her health scare. “For the past year I’ve been dealing with this silent battle,” Yai wrote in her Instagram post. “I incidentally found out I had a congenital defect overworking my heart and slowly destroying my lungs.”
Yai explained that she had been “asymptomatic for most of her life” and only discovered the condition after developing what she thought was a “lingering cough.”
“[The cough] turned to chest pains, bouts of coughing up blood, then at times struggling to breathe,” she shared. “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.”
She admitted she initially believed she could “outwork or outrun” the problem, but she realized that “the universe has a way of slowing you down and waking you up.”
Yai went on to reveal that she underwent a major – but successful– procedure. “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,” she wrote.
According to the American Lung Association, robotic thoracic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove diseased lung tissue and surrounding lymph nodes. Yai expressed gratitude to her surgical team, who helped identify her condition before it became more severe.
“And I am forever grateful for Dr. Harmik Soukiasian and everyone at the @beverlyhillsconciergehealth for discovering my condition,” she added. “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.”
While she focuses on recovery, Yai assured fans that she won’t be down for too long. “For now, I’m healing…but I’ll be back. See ya!” she concluded in her post.
Support came pouring in from industry peers and celebrities. Naomi Campbell lovingly wrote, “Sending you love, light, and healing. May God cover and protect you.”
Actress Taraji P. Henson, “You are healed in Jesus mighty name.”
Chicago Sky basketball star Angel Reese also sent love by saying, “Praying for you, my sweet love. You are strong & will win this battle. I love you, sister.”
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