Model Anok Yai has shared her struggle with a serious congenital condition that has significantly impacted her health. On December 19, 2023, the 28-year-old, recently honored as the 2025 Model of the Year at the Fashion Awards, disclosed her diagnosis via social media, expressing the challenges she has faced over the past year.
Yai described how she inadvertently learned about her condition, which has been “overworking” her heart and “destroying” her lungs. In a heartfelt post that included videos and images from her hospital stay, she stated, “For the past year I’ve been dealing with this silent battle.” Initially asymptomatic, her health declined with a lingering cough, escalating to severe chest pains and episodes of coughing up blood.
“I chose to work through this while trying to find the right doctor and the right time,” Yai continued. “I quickly realized there was never going to be a ‘right time’ – my health would continue to worsen.” She emphasized the importance of prioritizing health, stating, “The universe has a way of slowing you down and waking you up.”
Successful Surgery and Medical Team Acknowledgment
Yai recently underwent a successful robotic lung surgery, a minimally invasive procedure that removes diseased lung tissue and surrounding lymph nodes. She expressed immense gratitude to her surgeon, Dr. Robert Cerfolio, and his dedicated team, stating, “I am forever indebted to them for giving me more time.”
The American Lung Association defines robotic thoracic surgery as a less invasive option that can lead to quicker recovery times. Yai also credited Dr. Harmik Soukiasian and the staff at Beverly Hills Concierge Health for diagnosing her condition, as well as the medical professionals at NYU Langone, who provided care throughout her ordeal.
In her post, she expressed appreciation for the support of friends and family, noting, “Thank you to my friends and family for being the first thing I saw when I woke up.”
Looking Ahead
As Yai begins her recovery process, she reassured her followers, “For now I’m healing … but I’ll be back.” Her openness about her health journey has resonated with many, reflecting the importance of addressing medical issues promptly.
The modeling industry and her fans are rallying behind Yai as she navigates this challenging chapter in her life. With her surgery behind her, there is hope for a full recovery and a return to the runway.
Wishing Anok Yai a speedy recovery, her resilience serves as an inspiring reminder of the significance of health and well-being.
