Olympic medalist Suni Lee leaps into kidney disease advocacy

The 2024 Summer Olympics are underway in Paris and the U.S. women’s gymnastics team is at the forefront of everyone’s minds. 

Led by gymnastics legend Simone Biles, the U.S. won the team all-around competition earlier this week.

Then, on Thursday, Biles took home the gold medal in the individual all-around competition, while teammate Suni Lee earned the bronze.

For Lee, who won the gold medal in the same event at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, the honors she has received thus far in France represent the capstone to a lengthy, trying healthcare journey.

Last year, Lee was diagnosed with two rare kidney diseases and was forced to retire from college gymnastics during her sophomore year at Auburn University. 

Fortunately for Lee, who worried her entire gymnastics career was over, she has recovered to the point of returning to Olympic glory. 

With her conditions now in remission, Lee is aiming to use her considerable platform during the games to spread awareness of kidney disease and help people understand the difficulties faced by patients. 

That’s why she recently teamed with the American Kidney Fund (AKF) for its Know Your Kidneys initiative, a program that educates the public on kidney disease, directs patients to available treatment options and supports them in their fight against kidney disease. 

Upon the onset of symptoms, Lee had no knowledge about kidney disease. Eventually, she received a diagnosis after numerous tests, though the origin of her disease remains unknown. 

This is not an uncommon experience for patients, as nearly half of people living with kidney disease are unaware they have it. Additionally, up to 15% of people with kidney disease do not know the cause of their disease. 

“Getting diagnosed with kidney disease turned the world that I knew upside-down. At the time of my diagnosis, I was 20 years old, competing in a sport that I love so much. My kidney disease has been difficult, and I know firsthand that sometimes the cause of your disease isn’t clear-cut,” she said. “But I want to encourage others to be informed about their kidney health and become a self-advocate for a treatment plan that can allow them to live their best life. I’m thrilled to work with the American Kidney Fund and I’m looking forward to getting started.”

The partnership with the AKF marks yet another medical marketing play from Lee during the Olympics. She and Biles are among the seven athletes sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company during the multi-week competition. She has also been featured in ads for Lilly discussing her bouts with eczema. 

As part of the Know Your Kidneys initiative, AKF is promoting its personalized roadmaps for patients to ensure they receive better care and feel empowered to take control of their health and wellbeing. 

AKF CEO LaVarne A. Burton said in a press release that the organization was eager to work with Suni, citing her resilient patient journey and connection with young viewers. 

“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,” Burton added. “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.”