ROCKVILLE, Md. (July 9, 2024) – Olympic gold medalist Suni Lee, renowned for her achievements in gymnastics, is now leveraging her platform to advocate for kidney health. Following her kidney disease diagnosis, Lee has partnered with the American Kidney Fund (AKF) for their “Know Your Kidneys” initiative. This collaboration aims to empower individuals with knowledge and resources for better kidney health, particularly focusing on understanding the complexities of kidney disease diagnosis.
Suni Lee’s journey is one of extraordinary athletic success and personal resilience. After securing the all-around gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, alongside a silver and bronze, she faced a significant health challenge. In 2023, Suni Lee disclosed her diagnosis of kidney disease of unknown origin. This revelation led her to temporarily step back from competition to prioritize her health. Despite the setback, and with the support of her healthcare team, she courageously returned to gymnastics, earning widespread admiration for her determination. Her recent qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics, achieved at the Olympic Trials in Minnesota, marks an inspiring comeback.
LaVarne A. Burton, President and CEO of the American Kidney Fund, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are excited to collaborate with Suni, an inspiration to many, especially young individuals. Her grace and resilience in the face of a life-altering diagnosis are truly commendable.” Burton highlighted the prevalence of kidney disease, affecting 1 in 7 Americans, and noted Suni Lee’s belonging to a smaller group with rare kidney conditions. The “Know Your Kidneys” initiative, amplified by Suni Lee’s voice, seeks to encourage proactive kidney health management, emphasizing knowing your kidneys, understanding the potential causes of kidney issues, and developing a plan for well-being. This joint effort underscores the shared goal of raising awareness about kidney disease’s broad impact and inspiring those affected to pursue their aspirations.
Suni Lee herself shared her personal experience, stating, “Receiving a kidney disease diagnosis turned my world upside down. At 20, while actively competing in gymnastics, it was a shock.” She acknowledged the challenges of her condition, particularly the ambiguity surrounding the cause, a reality for many facing kidney disease. Lee’s advocacy aims to motivate others to become informed and proactive about their kidney health, emphasizing self-advocacy in developing personalized treatment plans. Her partnership with the American Kidney Fund reflects her commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of others affected by kidney disease.
A significant aspect of kidney disease is that up to 15% of those affected do not know the underlying cause. AKF’s “Know Your Kidneys” program directly addresses this gap by offering a tailored experience for individuals at risk or currently living with kidney disease. The program provides comprehensive and interactive resources designed to guide individuals throughout their kidney health journey. Specifically, the “Know Your Cause” pathway within the initiative offers valuable information on testing options, genetic counseling, and clinical trials. It also includes interactive tools to facilitate effective conversations between patients and their doctors, focusing on identifying the root cause of kidney disease – a crucial step in establishing the most effective treatment strategy. By partnering with Suni Lee, the American Kidney Fund aims to broaden the reach of this vital message, encouraging more people to prioritize their kidney health and seek timely diagnosis and support.
