Nearly a decade ago, in 2015, Edwards, of North Carolina, became part of another family legacy that changed the course of her life.Chronic kidney disease is a condition in which a person's kidneys have become damaged over time and can no longer filter blood as they should, leading to an increased risk of other health problems, including heart disease and high blood pressure,The disease is one that affects more than 37 million adults in the United States, according to the institute.
"I've never seen a family with as many members affected with chronic kidney disease as the Edwards family," Christiano said. "We do know this disease runs in families but this is an unusual case."For several years, the singer would go to a local clinic four days a week to receive dialysis for four hours a day. Oftentimes, she would do so with her mother at her side, also undergoing dialysis.
"It was heartbreaking," Edwards said of the loss, adding, "It seems like yesterday. I miss her so much."But just months later, Edwards' sister Tonette, who just years prior had undergone a successful kidney transplant, became ill too. She was hospitalized and died in February 2021, according to Edwards."When Tonette passed away, my mom just couldn't take it," Edwards said. "It was very heartbreaking for her.