Fans of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills have watched Morgan Wade quickly become one of Kyle Richards’ best friends on Season 13, but it’s safe to say that the two have recently grown even closer, as Kyle’s been by Morgan’s side while she deals with various health issues — including those that led her to undergo a preventative double mastectomy. Hear Morgan open up about her journey and find out how Kyle’s been showing her support to the country singer by scrolling below.
Morgan Wade’s Recent Operation
Back in November, Morgan underwent a four-hour surgery, which included both a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. She told PEOPLE that she made the decision to have the operation because she lost both her grandmother and great-aunt to pancreatic cancer and she also has an aunt who was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 30. What’s more, Morgan tested positive for the RAD51D gene mutation.
“I would rather have done all this and never know if I was going to get breast cancer or not,” Morgan told the publication. “I would’ve rather done this and have that peace of mind. Life is short, life is precious, and I’m grateful for the advances with science that we have the knowledge to be able to go and take care of these things.”
Kyle Richards’ Role in Morgan Wade’s Health Journey
Though it was Morgan who decided she wanted to move forward with the surgery, Kyle actually played a big role in making it happen by connecting her with both a surgeon and a non-profit organization who could provide assistance. Kyle told PEOPLE she became involved with the aforementioned organization, Mission Plasticos, after her mother Kathleen passed away from breast cancer in 2002.
“I’ve been involved with Mission Plasticos for years, and greatly admire the work they do for women across the country,” she said. “Breast cancer has impacted my family, and I understand how overwhelming it can be to navigate the healthcare system, the procedures it can entail, the emotional and physical ramifications it can have.”
Kyle Richards’ Mom and Her History with Breast Cancer
Kyle previously opened up about her mother’s experience with breast cancer on an earlier season of RHOBH. More specifically, she explained why it’s so difficult for her to have mammograms done.
“This test gives me so much anxiety, but the reason my mom died of breast cancer is because she didn’t go get a mammogram for five years,” Kyle shared. “So if my mom had gone, maybe she would still be there, and I’m haunted by that thought all the time.”
She also expressed her hope that her story would “bring awareness re: early detection,” Kyle posted to social media at the time, “and as a reminder to go get checked.”