Cuba Gooding Jr., born in the Bronx, New York, grew up in the entertainment industry. After his father collaborated with the Main Ingredient on the smash song Everybody Plays The Fool, the family relocated to Los Angeles.

After graduating from high school, he was cast in the television series Hill Street Blues; at 23, he received positive reviews for the movie Boyz N The Hood before landing the Oscar for his performance as an enthusiastic football player in Jerry McGuire. The People Vs. O.J. Simpson, an award-winning miniseries, was then recently praised for him.

Cuba had to deal with his father’s passing last year; the two were very close, and the father passed away at home in Woodland Hills, California, at 72.

Many people are unaware that the beloved actor and father of three now plays the role of an advocate and crusader for renal illness at the age of 50.

Despite being the ninth most common cause of death in the US, research on kidney illness is among the least supported. Some of the most severe kidney illnesses affecting adults and children include FSGS (Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis) and Nephrotic Syndrome.

The only organization that focuses on funding research to find more effective therapies and a cure for these illnesses is NephCure. “I knew I had to take action as soon as I learned about these problems. I’m honored to collaborate with them,” stated Mr. Gooding.

Kidney Disease Statistics

More than 26 million Americans suffer from chronic renal disease.

Kidney failure in children is most commonly caused by nephrotic syndrome.

Twelve people pass away each day while awaiting a kidney transplant.

For these disorders, there is neither a treatment standard nor a cure.

High-dose steroids and medications used in chemotherapy are examples of possible treatments.

Many individuals proceed to renal failure within 5 years, despite these medications.

African Americans are FIVE TIMES more likely to have FSGS than other populations, and they have a higher risk of renal disease.

Numbers are crucial to emphasize the urgency, but this is about more than just numbers; it’s about people fighting to preserve their own lives and the lives of their spouses and children.

We urgently need new treatments for individuals who are in pain every day, according to Mr. Gooding. “The government provides relatively little funding for research into renal illness, so we need to modify how research is supported. Because of this, we must help groups like NephCure, which serves as a catalyst for advancing kidney disease research.”

You can still join the cause and support NephCure in its quest to end debilitating forms of kidney disease, FSGS, and Nephrotic Syndrome. Simply text “CURE” along with your donation to 50155, or visit http://www.support.nephcure.org/TeamCuba to pledge your support today.