Toni Braxton Reveals Her Struggle With Lupus
During the 8th Annual Lupus Bag Ladies Luncheon in Los Angeles on Tuesday (Nov. 16) R&B veteran Toni Braxton broke the news that she has been fighting a battle with the autoimmune disease Lupus.
"Take a look, this is what Lupus looks like," Braxton said, as she accepted one of the two Women Achievement awards, handed out during the ceremony. The 43-year-old singer, who had made no previous mention of the disease, broke the news to the audience with her mother and sisters standing by her side. Prior to this, Braxton, a spokeswoman for the American Heart Association, revealed her battle with the inflammatory heart condition pericarditis, which makes victims susceptible to high blood pressure and heart palpitations.
"Had a great time at the 8th Annual Hollywood Bag Ladies Luncheon," Braxton tweeted, following the award ceremony. "A big moment for me. It was a tough decision to come out about it. But it was such a relief!"
Lady Gaga, who has admitted to having a history of Lupus in her family, sent her well wishes to Braxton by purchasing ad space at the annual lupus luncheon. "Toni, your strength is admirable," Gaga said. "As a woman whose family has been affected by lupus, I understand your struggle and have you in my thoughts."