Wendy Williams flaunts cleavage at 54th birthday charity gala... and talks cocaine addiction battle
Despite a trying year Wendy Williams still has plenty to be grateful for.
And the television personality was the guest of honor at her The Wendy Williams Hunter Birthday Give Back Gala in New York City on Wednesday.
Though it was her special day, the newly-turned 54-year-old wanted to help the less fortunate with the charity gala at the iconic Hammerstin Ballroom.
Big day: Wendy Williams was the guest of honor at her The Wendy Williams Hunter Birthday Give Back Gala in New York City on Wednesday
As it was to benefit families suffering from addiction and substance abuse, Williams opened up about her struggle with cocaine addiction.
Her battle began when she still worked in radio as she explained to Entertainment Tonight: 'I was a functioning addict though.
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'I report to work on time, and I’d walk in and all my co-workers, including my bosses, would know but since I would have my headphones on and walk in the studio and [they] wouldn’t fire me because I was making ratings.'
Williams also said that it was still able to make it to work despite her partying ways.
Good cause: Though it was her special day, the newly-turned 54-year-old wanted to help the less fortunate with the charity gala at the iconic Hammerstin Ballroom
Fun times: She was even serenaded by legendary R&B crooner Johnny Gill who sung her happy birthday
'[A] functioning addict has several alarm clocks, you’re organized,' she explained. 'It’s a miracle I was able to stop.'
Wendy flaunted her bountiful cleavage in a nude colored gown with shiny detailing all over it.
Her blonde tresses were worn down into waves flowing over her shoulders as she had complimentary make-up on her face.
Dynamic duo: Wendy was also spotted hanging out with rapper Remy Ma as they shared a few laughs together
Stunner: The 38-year-old rap pioneer sported an off-the-shoulder red dress with a floral pattern all over it
She was even serenaded by legendary R&B crooner Johnny Gill who sung her happy birthday.
If that wasn't already enough Keri Hilson also performed as actress and television personality Torrei Hart hosted the gala.
Wendy was also spotted hanging out with rapper Remy Ma as they shared a few laughs together.
The 38-year-old rap pioneer sported an off-the-shoulder red dress with a floral pattern all over it.
Having a blast: The two ladies shared a laugh together
Proceeds from the gala benefited The Hunter Foundation and Facing Addiction With NCADD.
It has been a trying year for Wendy as she famously collapsed on camera during a taping of her TV talk show last October and in February took three weeks off work on doctor's orders.
She has since revealed that since her Graves' disease started taking a bigger toll on her beginning last year, her life 'has completely changed.'
'Back in the fall or maybe around July of last year, I started feeling weird in the head,' in a video message Graves’ Disease & Thyroid Foundation 2018 Patients and Family Conference, according to PageSix.com Wednesday.
Hanging out: Andre Leon Talley was dressed in red for the star-studded gala
'But I’m thinking, ‘OK, this is maybe a casualty of menopause or we were ramping up for season nine of the Wendy Show.' So, it wasn’t until I passed out on my own show that … Anyway, life has completely changed,' she said.
The 53-year-old was diagnosed with the autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid 19 years ago and she had been controlling it with medication.
However, she said in the video, she had been on the wrong dosage and that caused her new round of problems.
Doctor's orders: Wendy revealed that since her Graves' disease started taking a bigger toll on her beginning last year, her life 'has completely changed'
Thyroid condition: Williams collapsed on camera during a taping of her TV talk show last October, pictured, and in February took three weeks off work on doctor's orders
'The doctors tell me it’s going to take at least six months — maybe a year — to level off my medication, which is why I always wear flats. I’m not wearing heels and falling and tripping,” she said, adding that the illness sometimes makes her off balance.
Graves’ disease causes the thyroid gland to be overactive and is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in the United States, according to the American Thyroid Association.
It is seven to eight times more common in women than men and there are more than three million new cases each year.
The condition cannot be cured but can be successfully managed with medication.
The Wendy Williams Show launched in 2008 and now airs in 52 countries.
TV success: The Wendy Williams Show launched in 2008 and now airs in 52 countries. The host is pictured on set in 2011
