In a video she posted, Raven, who just recently turned 38 years old, expressed gratitude for birthday wishes while opening up about the difficult time she’s facing. She confessed that celebrating her birthday felt bittersweet due to the recent loss of her brother.

“He was battling colon cancer for about two years and he is in a better place now. He’s loved and missed, and the emotions that have been weaving in and out of my body and mind and my family have been a roller coaster,” she shared.

She concluded the video by expressing love for Blaize and stating that his birthday on December 16th will always be celebrated by the family. She also thanked her Instagram family, her family at home, and her friends for being a strong support system during this challenging time.

Blaize, not part of the entertainment industry himself, was often seen alongside his older sister at various events and red carpets over the years.

Meanwhile, colorectal cancer, the same disease that affected actor Chadwick Boseman and soccer legend Pelé, significantly affects the Black community, with a 20% higher likelihood of occurrence and a 40% higher likelihood of death compared to other groups, according to the American Cancer Society.

Source: Actress Raven-Symoné Mourns the Loss of Her Younger 31-Year-Old Brother