Last year, pop star Selena Gomez revealed she suffers from lupus, an autoimmune disease that affects roughly 1.5 million Americans.

"Around a year ago I revealed that I have lupus, an illness that can affect people in different ways," she told People. "I've discovered that anxiety, panic attacks and depression can be side effects of lupus, which can present their own challenges."



While Gomez is a very visible face of the invisible illness, millions who struggle outside the limelight don't have access to the care she does. Because symptoms of the lupus can easily mimic other conditions, it's difficult for doctors to even diagnose a person in the first place — or get them proper care.