The seven-time Grammy winner was diagnosed with the auto-immune disease in 2008 after suffering a heart attack during a performance in Las Vegas.

While accepting a Women in Achievement award at the 8th Annual Lupus LA Bag Ladies Luncheon, she told the audience:

“Today I’m going to talk about it because I’m a survivor and I’m here, and I don’t want to lose hope. Take a look — this is what lupus looks like.”

She offered up some sound advice for people who are braving the same battle. “It’s not your fault. It’s nothing you did. It’s just what it is. It’s just what your body is or has become. There’s nothing you could have done to change it.”

Toni then took to Twitter to share with fans and well-wishers that she feels a “relief” after coming forward.

Fortunately, Toni has many supporters – including the likes of Lady GaGa.

Billboard reports that in an ad placed the program for the luncheon, the pop superstar wrote: “Toni, your strength is admirable. As a woman whose family has been affected by lupus, I understand your struggle and have you in my thoughts.”