Bodybuilding legend Lee Haney has successfully undergone kidney transplant surgery. In a September 29 post, he opened up about the 12-hour-long procedure and thanked his fan base for the ongoing support. He revealed that a bodybuilding competitor saved his life.
In March, Haney told the public that he was in desperate need of a kidney donor. Doctors informed him that he would need a kidney transplant 26 years ago, but through healthy living, he managed to push that clock back significantly. His family took to social media to rally support, taking to different platforms like Instagram and GoFundMe. Fortunately, the bodybuilding community listened.
Lee Haney cemented himself as an eight-time consecutive Mr. Olympia champion throughout the 1980s and early ’90s. He remains a top ambassador of the IFBB Pro League in retirement and doesn’t shy away from speaking on the division he once dominated. While his focus has been on recovery lately, Haney is grateful to have another shot at life.
Lee Haney Receives Kidney Transplant From Fellow Bodybuilder After 12-Hour Surgery
After a 12-hour surgery, Haney woke up with a new kidney, seven months after his family asked the community for support.
“Prayers went up, and the Lord answered. 🙏🏽 Seven months ago, my son Joshua launched a social media campaign sharing my need for a living kidney donor. The love, prayers, and support we received from around the world were overwhelming. After returning home from Italy, I received the news that a perfect match had been found. Following a 12 hour surgery, I woke up with a new kidney and another testimony of God’s grace.”
Surprisingly, he revealed that the kidney came from a bodybuilding competitor he met years ago:
“My deepest thanks to Dr. Cristea, MD, and the entire team at Emory for the tremendous care, compassion, and support shown to me and my family throughout this journey. But God had another surprise waiting for me. My donor was Richard Miller, a young man whose path first crossed mine in 1985 and again as a bodybuilding competitor in 2014. Who could have imagined that all these years later, Richard would become the man who helped save my life?”
“Richard told me the Lord pressed upon his heart to bless me with a kidney, and I will forever be grateful. My friend. My Iron Brother. My hero. My mother has a new son, and my grandchildren have a new uncle. Richard, you are forever part of our family. 🙏🏽”
Haney again thanked his fans and followers for the love and kind words following the procedure.
“I have always believed in treating people with kindness, patience, and love. Love always returns in ways we least expect. Thank you to everyone who prayed, shared Joshua’s campaign, reached out, and supported us.”
Above all, thank You, Lord. Be Thou glorified through Your servants. 🙏🏽🌹Lee Haney 8x Mr. Olympia,” shared Lee Haney.
As one of the greatest Mr. Olympias to walk the earth, fans are happy to see Haney smiling and recovering from surgery. He continues to guide the next generation of athletes climbing up the ranks.
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