Yolanda Foster, also known as Yolanda Hadid, is a Dutch-American television personality, model and interior designer. She rose to fame from the reality television series, "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills."
Aside from her glamorous lifestyle, Foster is also known for her battles with Lyme disease, which she documented on the show. She has since become a vocal advocate for the awareness and research of the disease.
Despite facing health challenges, Foster has been successful in many aspects of her life. She started her career as a model in the Netherlands and later moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. She also worked as an interior designer, and her projects have been featured in numerous publications.
In this article, we will take a closer look at Foster's life, including her early years, career, personal life, and net worth.
Early Life and Career
Yolanda Foster was born in Papendrecht, Netherlands in 1964. She grew up in a small town and was raised in a working-class family. As a child, she developed a love for horse riding, which became her passion and led to a successful career in equestrian sports.
At the age of 16, Foster was discovered by a modeling agency and began her career in the fashion industry. She moved to Milan, Italy and quickly became successful, working with renowned brands such as Gucci, Versace, and Armani.
After several years of modeling, Foster moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in television and acting. She appeared in a number of TV shows and movies, including "The Love Boat" and "Growing Pains."
In the late 1990s, Foster married her second husband, Mohamed Hadid, a real estate developer, and together they had three children. During this time, Foster also became involved in interior design, renovating and designing homes for herself and others.
Marriage and Family
Yolanda Foster has been married and divorced three times. Her first marriage was to Mohamed Hadid, a real estate developer, in 1994. They have three children together: Gigi, Bella, and Anwar.
After their divorce in 2000, Yolanda later married music producer David Foster in 2011. Yolanda has one child with David, a daughter named Alana.
In 2015, Yolanda and David announced their separation, which was later confirmed as a divorce in 2017. Yolanda has been open about the struggles she faced during her marriage to David, including her battle with Lyme disease.
Yolanda has a close relationship with her children, who are all successful models. She often shares photos and updates about them on social media. Yolanda is also a grandmother to her eldest daughter Gigi's daughter, Khai.
Battle with a Life-Threatening Illness
Diagnosis and Early Symptoms
In 2012, Yolanda Foster was diagnosed with Lyme disease after experiencing a range of symptoms including fatigue, joint pain, and cognitive difficulties. She initially dismissed her symptoms as a result of aging and stress and was misdiagnosed with diseases such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia.
It was not until she began experiencing neurological symptoms, such as visual disturbances, that she sought out a Lyme-literate doctor who was able to diagnose her with the disease.
Long-Term Effects and Treatment
Yolanda struggled with the debilitating effects of Lyme disease for years, often bedridden and unable to perform daily tasks. Despite trying a range of treatments, including antibiotics and holistic therapies, her condition continued to worsen.
In 2015, she underwent a controversial treatment known as Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, which involves breathing in pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. Yolanda credits this treatment with helping to alleviate some of her symptoms and regain her strength.
Raising Awareness
Yolanda has since become an advocate for Lyme disease awareness, using her platform to raise awareness about the severity of the disease and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
She has also written a memoir, "Believe Me: My Battle with the Invisible Disability of Lyme Disease," in which she shares her personal journey with the disease and her fight to regain her health.
Modeling and TV Career
Yolanda Foster started her modeling career in her hometown Netherlands, landing contracts with successful brands such as Gucci, Chanel, and Versace. Her career took her to different countries, and she eventually made New York her new home where she signed with Ford Models. She went on to grace the covers of magazines such as Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and Elle Magazine.
Yolanda's career took a turn when she became a cast member of the reality TV show "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" in 2012. Her appearance on the show gave her exposure to a whole new audience and further boosted her career. She remained a part of the show for four seasons.
Aside from her modeling and TV career, Yolanda is also a best-selling author. Her book "Believe Me: My Battle with the Invisible Disability of Lyme Disease" quickly became a hit, and was also featured on "The New York Times" Best Seller List.
Net Worth and Awards
Yolanda Foster's net worth is estimated to be $45 million. She made her fortune through her successful career as a model, as well as through her appearances on reality television shows and her real estate investments.
In addition to her financial success, Foster has also been recognized for her charitable work. She has been actively involved in a number of organizations, including the Global Lyme Alliance, which works to raise awareness about Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. In 2015, she was honored with the organization's "Star Light" award for her advocacy work.
Foster has also been recognized for her contributions to the entertainment industry. She has received numerous award nominations, including two Primetime Emmy nominations for her work on "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills". She also won a Daytime Emmy Award for the reality show "Making a Model with Yolanda Hadid".
FAQ
Who is Yolanda Foster?
Yolanda Foster is a Dutch-American television personality, model and interior designer. She is best known for her appearance in the reality television show 'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills'.
What is Yolanda Foster's age?
Yolanda Foster was born on January 11, 1964. As of 2021, she is 57 years old.
What is Yolanda Foster's height?
Yolanda Foster is 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall.
What is Yolanda Foster's net worth?
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Yolanda Foster's net worth is estimated to be $45 million.
What health issues has Yolanda Foster faced?
Yolanda Foster has publicly shared her struggles with Lyme Disease, a tick-borne illness. She has spoken about the toll it has taken on her health and her life, and has become an advocate for those suffering from the disease. She has also undergone surgery to remove silicone implants that had leaked into her body and were causing health problems.
