Freddie Jackson, the acclaimed R&B singer best known for his hit song "You Are My Lady," recently revealed that he has been diagnosed with kidney disease. He shared the news through videos posted on his social media accounts on September 4th.
"After a great deal of thought and reflection, I've reached a point where I feel ready to talk about a recent chapter in my life," Jackson, 67, explained in the video. "I have been diagnosed with kidney disease. This journey has brought its share of challenges, but I've chosen to face it with openness and resilience."
Jackson emphasized the importance of sharing his diagnosis, not just as part of his personal story, but also to raise awareness and make a positive impact. He announced his collaboration with the National Kidney Foundation to promote kidney health and provide support to those living with kidney disease.
Jackson, who achieved several number-one hits on Billboard's R&B charts in the 1980s with songs like “You Are My Lady,” “Have You Ever Loved Somebody,” and “Jam Tonight,” expressed his hope that his work with the National Kidney Foundation would help "shed light on the significance of this issue."
He also expressed gratitude to his fans for their ongoing support, stating, "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 toward increased awareness and better outcomes for everyone affected by kidney disease."
According to the Mayo Clinic, kidney disease involves the gradual loss of kidney function. Treatment typically focuses on slowing the progression of damage, often by addressing the underlying cause, such as inflammation, diabetes, or high blood pressure. If the disease progresses to end-stage kidney failure, it can be fatal without dialysis or a kidney transplant. Kidney disease can also affect nearly every part of the body, potentially causing weakened bones, heart disease, or a reduced immune response.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 7 Americans suffer from chronic kidney disease, with 9 out of 10 people unaware that they have it.
Jackson concluded his video by expressing his heartfelt appreciation to 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."
The Quran - Chapter Al-Ma'arij: 05- 07
So endure ˹this denial, O Prophet,˺ with beautiful patience.
They truly see this ˹Day˺ as impossible,
but We see it as inevitable.
