Reality star Yolanda Foster, who suffers from Lyme disease, just revealed that months ago she gave her experience, strength and hope to Avril Lavigne, who announced yesterday via People magazine that she too suffers from the debilitating illness.

"I took Avril under my wing when she first got sick and shared all I know," said the 51-year-old during an interview with Bravo's Daily Dish.

The Housewife also commended the "Complicated" songstress for speaking publicly about having the chronic disease. "I am so proud of her for going public," Foster said.

For months, Lavigne had hinted she was dealing with a health issue but had never been specific about what was ailing her.
In December, the Canadian performer spoke to fans via Twitter about her absence from the public eye.

"I feel bad because I haven't been able to say anything to the fans to let them [know] why I've been absent," she wrote. "I'm not feeling well. I'm having some health issues. So please keep me in your prayers."

According to the CDC, "Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system. Lyme disease is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical findings (e.g., rash), and the possibility of exposure to infected ticks." Basically Lyme disease is all sorts of not good. It's hard to diagnose, treat and can take a serious toll on someone's nervous system.

Lavigne has taken a break from recording and touring to focus on her health. The 30-year-old released her last album, the self-titled Avril Lavigne, in November 2013.

We wish the singer all the best in fighting this disease and we are glad she's getting some much needed support from someone who's been through the journey before her!