Freddie Jackson has been diagnosed with kidney disease, the R&B singer shared in videos posted to his social media channelson Sept. 4.
“After a lot of thought and reflection, I’ve come to a point where I feel I’m ready to talk about a recent chapter in my life,” Jackson, 67, said in the video.
“I have been diagnosed with kidney disease. This journey has had its challenges but I’ve decided to face it with openness and resilience.”
“It’s important to me that I share this with you, not just as a part of my personal story, but as a way to make a positive difference,” he said, announcing that he’s partnered with the National Kidney Foundation to raise awareness about kidney health and provide support for those who are affected by kidney disease.
Jackson, who topped Billboard’s R&B singles charts in the 1980s with a slew of hits including “You Are My Lady,” “Have You Ever Loved Somebody,” and “Jam Tonight,” said that he hopes his work with the National Kidney Foundation will “help shine a light on the importance of this issue.”
He thanked his fans for their support, saying, “As I take this step, I’m turning my personal experience into a platform for greater understanding and advocacy. With your help, we can work towards better awareness and improved outcomes for everyone with kidney disease.”
Kidney disease, the Mayo Clinic explains, “involves a gradual loss of kidney function.”
Treatment “focuses on slowing the progression of kidney damage, usually by controlling the cause,” which can range from inflammation, diabetes, or high blood pressure.
The disease can progress to end-stage kidney failure, “which is fatal without artificial filtering (dialysis) or a kidney transplant.”
Freddie Jackson performs in London in 1988.
Michael Putland/Getty
Aside from the kidneys, the disease can impact “almost every part of your body,” the Mayo Clinic says, leading to weak bones, heart disease, or a decreased immune response.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Controlestimates that 1 in 7 Americans have chronic kidney disease — and that 9 out of 10 don’t even know they have it.
Jackson ended his video with appreciation for his fans, saying, “Thank you for your encouragement, your love and your support. It means more to me than I can express.”
“From the bottom of my heart, I love you.”
