'RHOC' Stars Share Their Journeys Through Health Challenges

"Real Housewives" stars Kyle Richards and Vicki Gunvalson open up about the tough times they've faced, sharing how their support systems have helped them cope.

Kyle Richards, an original cast member of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including her sister Kathy Hilton's public feud with Lisa Rinna. Through it all, Richards has relied on her close-knit circle of loved ones.

"Being around my friends and family has been my saving grace," Richards told Fox News Digital. "They've been there for me through thick and thin, and I know I can always count on them."

'RHOC' Stars Share Their Journeys Through Health Challenges

Richards credits her husband, Mauricio Umansky, as her rock. "He's my best friend and my biggest supporter," she said. "He always knows how to make me laugh and make me feel better."

Her daughters, Farrah, Alexia, and Sophia, are also a source of comfort and support. "They're always there for me, no matter what," Richards said. "I'm so grateful to have them in my life."

'RHOC' Stars Share Their Journeys Through Health Challenges

Vicki Gunvalson, a former star of "The Real Housewives of Orange County," is still recovering from a near-fatal illness that left her hospitalized. Gunvalson detailed her experience on her podcast, "My Friend, My Soulmate, My Podcast," alongside her boyfriend, Michael Smith.

Gunvalson explained that she experienced memory loss and incoherent speech, prompting her client to alert her employee, Smith's daughter Olivia, that she was possibly having a stroke.

'RHOC' Stars Share Their Journeys Through Health Challenges

"From that point on, I really don’t remember much," Gunvalson said tearfully. "There was a litany of things that could have happened or gone wrong, and it didn’t so, thank you, Jesus."

Gunvalson was initially misdiagnosed with a sinus infection but was later found to have sepsis and pneumonia. Her boyfriend, Smith, credited Olivia's quick thinking for getting her to the hospital in time.

'RHOC' Stars Share Their Journeys Through Health Challenges

"She had a massive infection. It was actually sepsis, but it was pneumonia," Smith explained. "What happened is that when your body is fighting that big of an infection, your whole body attacks it, which affects the brain and everything else in your body because your body sends everything it has to fight it."

Gunvalson expressed gratitude for the support of Smith and her medical team, who told her she had only a 10 to 20 percent survival rate. "I'm so grateful to be alive," she said.

She added that she has been experiencing post-traumatic stress symptoms due to the trauma to her brain. "I don’t remember much, and that’s the trauma of the brain," Gunvalson said. "It won’t remember to protect you."

Gunvalson has been improving with antibiotics and steroids and credits Smith for being an excellent nurse. "I'm so lucky to have him," she said.

Both Richards and Gunvalson emphasized the importance of having a strong support system during difficult times. "It's so important to have people in your life who you can lean on," Richards said. "They can help you through anything."

"I'm so grateful for my friends and family," Gunvalson added. "They've been my lifeline through this whole ordeal."