Grammy-winning singer Toni Braxton recently opened up about her life-threatening health scare.
Braxton is suffering with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease that resulted in her undergoing heart surgery in September of last year.
Braxton was diagnosed in 2008 and underwent a procedure after 80% of her heart’s main artery became blocked. In an interview with People, she emphasized the importance of regular urine and blood tests to assess the impact of lupus on her organs, acknowledging that she had put off tests last year, thinking she was fine.
However, her doctor was persistent, and in the last week of September, specialized tests revealed abnormalities in her heart, leading to emergency surgery in which doctors inserted a stent to keep the passageway open. Reflecting on her experience, Braxton said it was a blessing in disguise as it taught her not to put off tests.
Braxton is partnering with Aurinia’s Get Uncomfortable campaign to raise awareness about lupus and lupus nephritis, a severe kidney disease caused by SLE, ahead of Lupus Awareness Month in May. The campaign aims to urge people suffering from lupus and lupus nephritis to prioritize their health by completing routine testing to prevent complications such as irreversible kidney damage, especially for women of color.
Braxton stressed the importance of getting tested and the goal of a long life and old age. After 15 years of battling SLE, which has left her dealing with heart and kidney complications, Braxton said she was dedicated to her advocacy work and raising awareness about lupus.
Braxton admitted that when she was first diagnosed, she knew nothing about lupus and had to educate herself, which was scary. She also felt ashamed, as people told her not to tell anyone because they felt that she would be unable to work, and that no one would hire her. Now, she advocates for talking about it and believes it’s important.
