Just weeks after accepting the prestigious Model of the Year award, Anok Yai is sharing her courageous story of a year-long, silent health battle against a congenital defect that was destroying her lungs—a powerful reminder of the unseen struggles behind the runway’s spotlight.
The fashion world is rallying behind Anok Yai after the 28-year-old supermodel bravely disclosed a serious health crisis that culminated in robotic lung surgery. In a deeply personal Instagram post, Yai detailed her journey with a congenital defect that went undetected for most of her life before escalating into a debilitating condition.
“For the past year, I’ve been dealing with this silent battle,” Yai wrote. “I incidentally found out I had a congenital defect overworking my heart and slowly destroying my lungs.” Her account describes a harrowing progression from an asymptomatic condition to one that severely impacted her life. “What started as something asymptomatic for the majority of my life turned into a lingering cough, which turned to chest pains, bouts of coughing up blood, then at times, struggling to breathe,” she shared.
Despite the severity of her symptoms, Yai admitted she initially tried to push through her health challenges while maintaining her demanding career. “I chose to work through this while trying to find the right doctor and the right time,” she revealed. “I quickly realized there was never going to be a ‘right time’—my health would continue to worsen.” This realization led her to undergo robotic thoracic surgery, a minimally invasive procedure performed at New York University Langone Health.
The Stunning Timing of a Health Crisis
Yai’s disclosure comes just weeks after she reached the pinnacle of her profession. On December 1, she was crowned Model of the Year at the 2025 Fashion Awards in London, an honor presented by the British Fashion Council and Pandora that recognizes “the global impact of a model who has dominated the industry over the last 12 months.”
Lucy North/PA Images via Getty
Anok Yai attending the 2025 Fashion Awards in London on Dec. 1.
At the time, Yai reflected on her extraordinary journey, stating the award was “for everyone who’s ever seen their story in mine.” Little did the public know that behind the triumphant moment, she was grappling with a deteriorating health condition that would soon require major surgery.
An Industry Rallies With Support
The model’s heartfelt post prompted an immediate outpouring of support from fashion icons and celebrities. Supermodel Naomi Campbell commented, “Sending you love, light and healing… may God cover and protect you.” Heidi Klum added simply, “Get well soon,” while legendary model Iman offered “much love & prayers.”
WNBA star Angel Reese, who has crossed over into the modeling world herself, wrote, “Praying for you my sweet love. you are strong & will win this battle. i love you sister.”
Beyond the Spotlight: Yai’s Legacy and Resilience
Anok Yai’s career has been marked by groundbreaking achievements. She became the first Black model to open a Prada show in over two decades when she walked for the brand in 2018, a moment that signaled a shift in the industry’s standards of beauty and representation. Her rise from a biochemistry student discovered at Howard University’s homecoming to an international fashion star has been inspirational to many.
Her recent health struggle adds another layer to her story of resilience. In her post, Yai specifically thanked Dr. Robert Cerfolio and his surgical team, as well as Dr. Harmik Soukiasian and the medical staff at Beverly Hills Concierge Health for discovering her condition. She also expressed gratitude to the doctors and nurses at NYU Langone who cared for her during her procedure and recovery.
“I’ve always thought I could outwork or outrun anything,” Yai mused in her post, “but the universe has a way of slowing you down and waking you up.”
She concluded her message with a promise to her fans and the industry: “And thank you to my friends and family for being the first thing I saw when I woke up. For now I’m healing … but I’ll be back. See ya.”
Yai’s candid disclosure shines a light on the very human struggles that exist behind the curated images of celebrity and success. Her willingness to share this vulnerable chapter not only raises awareness about congenital lung conditions but also reinforces why she remains one of the most respected and relatable figures in modern fashion.
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