American Kidney Fund Notes Death of Ex-NFL and Track Star from Kidney FailureAmerican Kidney Fund The American Kidney Fund (AKF) is taking note of the death from kidney failure of "Bullet" Bob Hayes. Hayes, once recognized as the fastest man alive, died September 18 in his hometown of Jacksonville, Florida. He was 59. At the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, Hayes won the gold medal in the 100 meters, and anchored the U.S. 400-meter relay team to the gold medal in record time. In 1965, the Dallas Cowboys drafted Hayes and in his rookie season, he gained 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns. In 1971, Hayes helped propel the Cowboys to a Superbowl championship.  AKF Chairman of Medical Affairs Paul W. Crawford, M.D. stated, "Kidney disease takes far too many American lives. Nearly 400,000 people in the U.S. have end stage renal disease (ESRD), or kidney failure, and there is no cure. The only treatments are kidney dialysis or kidney transplantation." Hayes struggled with an alcohol and drug problem, and served 10 months for the sale of narcotics to an undercover police officer in 1979. In his autobiography, he said the arrest ruined his life and cost him a place in the National Football League Hall of Fame. "Despite his bout with substance abuse problems, Bob Hayes was a remarkable athlete," Dr. Crawford said. He added, "His death reminds us that we all have a part to play in guarding our health. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the main causes of kidney disease. If you are diabetic, control your blood sugar and if you are hypertensive, keep your blood pressure under control. We cannot say it enough; don't smoke, get regular exercise, and maintain a healthy body weight."
For more information, or to contact American Kidney Fund, see their website at: www.akfinc.org |
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