Suni Lee Shines in New Partnership With American Kidney Fund
Olympic Champion Suni Lee teamed up with American Kidney Fund to raise awareness for kidney disease.
Suni Lee has been an activist for kidney disease for several years as she struggled through her own experiences. On July 9, the all-around gymnast partnered with the American Kidney Fund (AKF) project, Know Your Kidneys, an “initiative, a comprehensive program that provides a roadmap to better kidney health.”
Lee just secured a spot on this year’s Olympic Team and will head to Paris later this month. The gymnast plans to share her own experience through her struggles, shedding light on the resources needed for those who are seeking a diagnosis.
In 2023, Lee announced that she suffered from an unknown origin kidney disease. The gymnast stated that she experienced abnormal swelling throughout her body. Her first doctors ruled the symptoms out as an allergic reaction after two weeks, but the swelling prolonged. The Olympian explained, “I just kept getting more swollen…and I think I gained, like, 40 pounds.” After several rounds of doctor appointments, they discovered that Lee had a rare, incurable kidney condition.
Suni Lee announced that her career at Auburn has ended early as she has been dealing with a non-gymnastics health related issue involving her kidneys.
— ESPN (@espn) April 3, 2023
Her focus remains on her health and recovery and will continue to pursue a bid for the Paris Olympics in 2024. pic.twitter.com/YHPZAi4kDJ
The athlete decided to step back from Auburn University to focus on her health. Leaving the sport she loved was one of the hardest decisions Lee had to make. She took time to let her body heal and returned stronger than ever.
We never get tired of watching Suni Lee on uneven bars. #USAGTrials24 pic.twitter.com/QsM5ITZOuJ
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) June 30, 2024
President of AKF, LaVarne A. Burton stated, “We are excited to work with Suni, who is an inspiration to so many, especially young people. She has demonstrated grace and resilience in the face of a life-altering diagnosis.” Adding, “With Suni using her platform to encourage people to know their kidneys, know their cause, and know their plan, we can make an even stronger impact. Increasing awareness about the impact kidney disease has on people of all ages — and encouraging people with kidney disease to continue pursuing their dreams — is a goal that Suni and the American Kidney Fund have in common.”
Lee has proven that her disease does not prevent her from following her dreams. She also brings awareness to help others who have experienced the same struggles.
Check out the American Kidney Fund’s website for more information.
