Supermodel Anok Yai, one of fashion’s brightest global stars, has revealed a deeply personal health struggle that unfolded quietly behind her soaring career.
The 28-year-old runway icon disclosed that she has been battling a congenital defect that has been putting dangerous strain on her heart and lungs.
The revelation came just days after Yai was named Model of the Year at the 2025 Fashion Awards.
While she appeared unstoppable on global runways, a serious medical condition was progressing unnoticed.
In a candid Instagram post, the supermodel described what she called a “silent battle” that began almost accidentally.
“For the past year, I’ve been dealing with this silent battle. I incidentally found out I had a Congenital defect overworking my heart and slowly destroying my lungs,” she wrote.
At first, the condition showed no clear warning signs. However, over time, the symptoms worsened.
“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,” Yai explained.
Moreover, the experience forced the model to confront her own limits. Known for her intense work ethic, she admitted that pushing through was no longer possible.
“Ive always thought I could outwork or outrun anything but the universe has a way of slowing you down and waking you up.”
However, there is relief at the center of the story. Yai revealed that she recently underwent a major medical procedure, which was successful.
“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,” she shared.
Robotic lung surgery, a minimally invasive procedure, is used to remove damaged lung tissue.
Therefore, early detection proved crucial in preventing further damage. Yai credited her medical team for identifying the condition before it became fatal.
“And I am forever grateful for Dr. Harmik Soukiasian and everyone at the @beverlyhillsconciergehealth for discovering my condition,” she wrote
In addition, she thanked doctors and nurses at NYU Langone, as well as friends and family who surrounded her during recovery.
“Thank you to my friends and family for being the first thing I saw when I woke up.”
Despite the ordeal, the supermodel remains optimistic.
“For now I’m healing … but I’ll be back. See ya.”
Meanwhile, her openness has drawn attention to hidden medical conditions that often go unnoticed.
