RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant Chi Chi Devayne has said she’s been “overwhelmed” by the “outpouring of love” she’s received since being hospitalised with suspected kidney failure.
Chi Chi was admitted to hospital earlier this week, telling her Instagram followers: “I have high blood pressure and they’ve said that I’m going through kidney failure.
“So tomorrow they’re going to give me a biopsy on my kidneys and let me know what it is that’s making my blood pressure so high.”
Chi Chi then disclosed that she’d undergone dialysis treatment to try and “get my kidneys back functioning”, noting: “I let it go too long without going to the doctor and these are the consequences. Take care of your body.”
Since then, Chi Chi’s fans and fellow drag queens have been sending their well wishes, as well as posting her Paypal and Venmo accounts so fans can contribute to her medical bills.
Chi Chi – real name Zavion Davenport – has now posted a new video message from her hospital bed on her Instagram story, updating fans about her condition.
“It’s day three, and I’m feeling ‘much bettah’,” she said, referring to fellow Drag Race star Baga Chipz’s catchphrase.
“I’m ready to get the hell out of here. But I know I’ve got to get well first. But I’m ready to go.”
She then wrote: “I see you alls outpouring of love. I promise I’m gonna call y’all back I’m just still overwhelmed.”
Originally hailing from Shreveport, Louisiana, Chi Chi made it to the final four in the eighth series of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
She later returned for the third All Stars run, finishing in eighth place.