Supermodel Anok Yai has revealed she is recovering from a congenital defect that was recently discovered after it began affecting her heart and lungs. Yai, the first Black model to open a Prada runway, shared the news with her followers on Instagram, describing a silent health struggle that had been building over the past year.
According to Boston Children’s Hospital, about three to four percent of babies are born with some type of birth defect. Many of these conditions remain dormant for years, or even a lifetime, before any symptoms appear. In Yai’s case, the defect did not become noticeable until she experienced persistent coughing and other health issues.
“For the past year I’ve been dealing with this silent battle,” Yai wrote on Instagram, alongside clips showing her in a hospital bed. “I incidentally found out I had a congenital defect overworking my heart and slowly destroying my lungs.”
Yai explained that she was mostly asymptomatic for most of her life, but began experiencing a cough that worsened over time. The cough eventually led to chest pain, bouts of coughing up blood, and occasional difficulty breathing. She initially tried to continue working while seeking medical guidance but realized her health would continue to deteriorate without intervention.
“I’ve always thought I could outwork or outrun anything but the universe has a way of slowing you down and waking you up. 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,” Yai wrote.
The surgery she received is called robotic thoracic surgery. According to the American Lung Association, this procedure removes diseased lung tissue and, in some cases, nearby lymph nodes to help restore lung function and prevent further complications.
Yai expressed gratitude toward the medical professionals who discovered her condition and performed her surgery. She specifically thanked Dr. Harmik Soukiasian and the team at Beverly Hills Concierge Health for their role in diagnosing her defect. She also acknowledged the doctors and nurses at NYU Langone and expressed appreciation for her friends and family, who were present when she woke up from surgery.
“For now, I’m healing … but I’ll be back,” Yai concluded in her Instagram post, signaling her determination to recover and continue her career.
Since her breakthrough debut on the Prada runway in 2018, Anok Yai has become one of fashion’s most recognizable faces. Earlier this month, she won Model of the Year at the 2025 Fashion Awards, solidifying her status as a leading figure in the industry.
In her acceptance speech, Yai reflected on her journey. “I was told that I would be a flash-in-the-pan and that I would be crushed by the machine that is the fashion industry and my career would only last six months,” she said. “It’s been a long six months, huh?” Her words underscored her resilience and determination to succeed despite challenges both on and off the runway.
Yai’s announcement sheds light on the realities of living with a congenital defect that can remain hidden for years. Her willingness to share her experience has drawn support from fans, colleagues, and the broader fashion community, who praised her courage and transparency.
As she continues her recovery, Yai plans to return to modeling and public appearances. Her story emphasizes the importance of monitoring health, seeking timely medical care, and maintaining hope even when faced with unexpected challenges.
With her health now stabilized and her career thriving, Anok Yai remains a symbol of resilience and strength, proving that setbacks do not define her potential or her passion for fashion and life.
