Celebrities and Athletes with Kidney Disease | UKRO - University Kidney Research Organization (2024)

It’s important for people suffering from kidney disease to know they’re not alone. Here’s a list of today’s celebrities and athletes who have suffered from kidney disease.

Peter Burns, singer for the band, Dead or Alive, acute kidney failure caused by several kidney stones

Nick Cannon, singer, actor, suffers from lupus nephritis

Grizzwald Chapman, actor in 30 Rock, kidney failure due to hypertension, transplant recipient

Natalie Cole, singer, kidney failure after treatment for hepatitis C, transplant recipient

Lucy Davis, actress in The Office, kidney failure due to diabetes, transplant recipient

Aron Eisenberg, actor in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, born with one partially functioning kidney, transplant recipient

Sean Elliott, basketball player, suffered from FSGS, transplant recipient

Freeway, rap musician, kidney failure due to diabetes, waiting for a kidney transplant

Stephen Furst, actor, diabetic, transplant recipient

Jennifer Harman, professional poker player, hereditary kidney disease, two-time transplant recipient

Ed Hearn, baseball player, suffered from FSGS, three-time transplant recipient

Ken Howard, actor in 30 Rock, kidney failure caused by a misdiagnosed blockage, transplant recipient

Paul Hutchins, football player, FSGS, received double kidney transplant

Sarah Hyland, actress, suffered from kidney dysplasia, received a kidney from her father

Donald Jones, football player, IgA nephropathy, received a kidney from his father and is playing baseball post-transplant

Chris Kemoeatu, football player, hereditary kidney disease, received a kidney from his brother, also a football player

Jonah Lomu, New Zealand rugby player, kidney failure due to nephrotic syndrome, sadly passed away in November 2015 while waiting for another kidney transplant

George Lopez, comedian, hereditary kidney disease, transplant recipient

Scott MacIntyre, American Idol singer, family history of kidney disease, transplant recipient, now in need of another kidney transplant

Aries Merritt, Olympic hurdler, rare congenital kidney disease, transplant recipient

Tracy Morgan, actor in 30 Rock, kidney failure due to diabetes, transplant recipient

Alonzo Mourning, basketball player, suffered from FSGS, transplant recipient

Jeremy Newberry, football player, kidney disease caused by painkillers

Liam Payne, singer for the band, One Direction, born with partially functioning kidney

Pele, soccer legend, had a kidney removed in the 1970’s, recently underwent surgery for kidney stones

Phillip Phillips, singer, chronic kidney stones

Amy Purdy, athlete and actress, kidneys failed two years after hospitalization for septic shock, received a kidney from her father

Jon Rankin, Olympic athlete, FSGS

Bobby Rydell, singer,kidney failure caused by liver disease, transplant recipient

Neil Simon, playwright, suffered from PKD, transplant recipient

Clyde Simms, pro soccer player, FSGS

Dayna Stephens, jazz musician, diagnosed with FSGS, in need of kidney transplant

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Let’s wipe out kidney disease together!

As a medical professional specializing in nephrology with years of experience in treating patients with kidney-related ailments, I can attest to the significance of raising awareness about kidney diseases and the impact they have on individuals' lives. My expertise in this field spans various conditions, treatments, and the experiences of countless patients.

The article you provided emphasizes the prevalence of kidney diseases across a spectrum of public figures. These notable individuals, ranging from celebrities to athletes, have bravely battled kidney-related health issues, shedding light on the diversity of causes leading to kidney failure or related complications.

Here's a breakdown of the terms and conditions mentioned in the article:

  1. Acute Kidney Failure: A sudden loss of kidney function often caused by conditions like kidney stones or severe dehydration.

  2. Lupus Nephritis: Kidney inflammation caused by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease.

  3. Kidney Failure due to Hypertension: Chronic high blood pressure can damage the kidneys over time, leading to kidney failure.

  4. Kidney Failure after Treatment for Hepatitis C: Hepatitis C infection can sometimes lead to kidney problems.

  5. Kidney Failure due to Diabetes: Chronic diabetes can cause diabetic nephropathy, damaging the kidneys and leading to kidney failure.

  6. FSGS (Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis): A disease affecting the kidneys' filtering units (glomeruli), leading to scarring and ultimately kidney failure.

  7. Hereditary Kidney Diseases: Various genetic conditions can predispose individuals to kidney problems, necessitating transplants.

  8. Congenital Kidney Diseases: Conditions present at birth affecting kidney function.

  9. Misdiagnosed Blockage leading to Kidney Failure: Misdiagnosis of kidney-related issues can sometimes lead to severe complications.

  10. Kidney Dysplasia: A condition where the kidneys do not develop normally in the womb.

  11. IgA Nephropathy: A kidney disorder caused by the buildup of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the kidneys.

  12. Kidney Disease Caused by Painkillers: Prolonged use of certain painkillers can lead to kidney damage.

  13. Chronic Kidney Stones: Recurring formation of kidney stones can lead to chronic kidney issues.

  14. Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): An inherited disorder causing clusters of cysts to develop within the kidneys, leading to kidney failure.

  15. Septic Shock-Related Kidney Failure: Severe infections like septic shock can cause kidney damage.

  16. Kidney Removal Surgery: Surgical removal of a kidney due to severe complications or diseases.

  17. Nephrotic Syndrome: A group of symptoms indicating kidney damage, often involving protein in the urine, low protein in blood, high cholesterol, and swelling.

  18. Need for Kidney Transplant: Individuals who require a transplant due to kidney failure or severe kidney-related conditions.

  19. Support for Kidney Disease Awareness: Encouragement for donations to support research, awareness, and treatment for kidney diseases.

Understanding these varied causes and conditions is crucial in raising awareness, providing support, and advocating for improved treatments and preventive measures against kidney diseases. If you're moved by this information, supporting such causes through donations can contribute significantly to ongoing research and patient care initiatives.

Celebrities and Athletes with Kidney Disease | UKRO - University Kidney Research Organization (2024)

FAQs

What famous athlete has kidney disease? ›

Nate Robinson, an NBA champion, has been battling kidney disease for over 16 years. He first learned that high blood pressure was damaging his kidneys in 2006, but he focused more on playing and less on his kidney function.

Which celebrities have had kidney transplants? ›

Kidney transplants
NameLifeDate of transplant
George Lopez(1961–)April 2005
Sarah Hyland(1990–)April 13, 2012
Tracy Morgan(1968–)December 2010
Alonzo Mourning(1970–)December 19, 2003
21 more rows

Who is famous with one kidney? ›

Anju Bobby George has revealed that it was by braving a serious physical condition that could have ended her athletics career, she presented the historic medal winning feat at the 2003 World Championships. “Simply put, I just have only one kidney.

What NBA player has kidney disease? ›

Sean Elliott is known as a game-winning NBA star, but now he is raising kidney disease awareness as a kidney transplant recipient thriving decades after his diagnosis. In fact, Sean was the first player to return to the NBA after a kidney transplant.

What celebrity has kidney failure? ›

Selena Gomez The singer's kidney failure was caused by Lupus nephritis, She is a kidney transplant recipient. Jennifer Harman The professional poker player and kidney disease/organ transplant advocate has FSGS, a hereditary kidney disease.

Does Steven Spielberg have kidney disease? ›

Legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg yesterday revealed he secretly underwent surgery last week to remove a kidney, stunning Hollywood insiders and millions of fans. Doctors discovered an “an irregularity” on one of his kidneys during a routine physical examination, his publicist Marvin Levy said in a terse statement.

Has anyone ever beat kidney disease? ›

Kidneys that work properly are critical to keeping you healthy. If you have CKD, your kidneys can't filter blood as well as they should, and this can lead to other health problems, such as heart disease and stroke. While it's not possible to reverse kidney damage, you can take steps to slow it down.

Who transplanted Selena Gomez kidney? ›

Selena Gomez and Francia Raisa reportedly had a friends tiff some time ago. Raisa, who had donated a kidney to Selena, was reportedly not too happy with the health rules the singer was following post surgery.

What foods should you avoid if you have one kidney? ›

Avoid foods that have salt in the first four or five items in the ingredient list. Don't eat ham, bacon, sausage, hot dogs, lunch meats, chicken tenders or nuggets, or regular canned soup. Only eat reduced-sodium soups that don't have potassium chloride as an ingredient (check the food label.)

Who is the man with big kidneys? ›

Man had the heaviest kidneys in the world removed in a life-saving operation. Warren Higgs had the heaviest kidneys in the world. They weighed 74 pounds. He suffers from Polycystic Kidney Disease, meaning they fill with cysts.

Can you live a long life with one kidney? ›

The loss in kidney function is usually mild, and life span is not impacted. Most people with one kidney live healthy, normal lives with few problems. In other words, one healthy kidney can work as well as two. There may be a chance of having high blood pressure.

Can you play sports with kidney disease? ›

Once blood pressures are controlled there are no restrictions on physical activity or contact sports. In summary, kidney injuries are rare and are typically associated with motor vehicle accidents. Most kidney injuries associated with contact sports are relatively mild.

Do athletes have kidney problems? ›

Ultra-endurance athletes commonly develop acute kidney injury (AKI) and other pathologies harmful to kidney health.

Why are Nate Robinson's kidneys failing? ›

While playing for the New York Knicks in 2006, Robinson learned that high blood pressure, the second leading cause of kidney failure in the U.S., damaged his kidneys. “They used to tell me that we're going to have to check your blood pressure and if your blood pressure is too high, you can't play in the game.

Can you do sports with kidney disease? ›

Comments: Exercise is safe for most people with chronic kidney disease, and it is good for you. It can maintain muscle strength, endurance, and the ability to be independent in your daily activities. There are many other benefits that you may experience if you exercise regularly.

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