Legendary bodybuilder Lee Haney has issued a plea for help after learning that he needs a living kidney donor.
Concern for the 66-year-old, an eight-time winner of Mr. Olympia, has swelled since his children revealed that their dad’s kidney is ‘failing.’
In a public call for help, Joshua and Olympia Haney said: ‘First time sharing this—my dad needs a kidney donor. Please keep him in your prayers and share if you can.
‘He is a Blessing to so many others and breathes life into all he does… there is more work to do.’
The post on Monday included details from the legendary bodybuilder, who revealed that he was told more than 25 years ago that he would one day need a kidney transplant.
‘Through faith, proper nutrition, and exercise, I was blessed to delay it for many years,’ Haney said. ‘Now my kidney is failing, and I’m prayerfully hoping to find a living donor.’
Legendary bodybuilder Lee Haney has revealed that he needs a living kidney donor
The 66-year-old became an eight-time winner of Mr. Olympia during his remarkable career
The news sparked an outpouring of support and well-wishes. On Tuesday, however, Haney insisted he is still ‘alive and well’ as he tried to allay fears over his health.
‘It’s appalling to see how fast rumors can spread,’ he wrote. ‘Yes, I am in need of a living kidney donor as communicated by my two awesome children. Many of you have sent prayers my way, and I appreciate them deeply. My approach is to be proactive as I face this current challenge.’
He added: ‘Thank you all for being genuinely concerned… I am still well and fully functional. I’m not needed in heaven at the time.’
Only Ronnie Coleman has amassed as many Mr. Olympia titles (eight) as Haney, who dominated the competition from 1984-91.
The 5ft 11in bodybuilder, a native of Spartanburg, South Carolina, was inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame in 2014.
He earlier served as chair of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports in Bill Clinton’s administration.
