Bodybuilding legend Lee Haney seeks living kidney donor as family goes public with health struggles

Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel joins 'America's Newsroom' to discuss the rise in chronic kidney disease happening across the world, how to avoid it,and how weight loss drugs could benefit those who have it.

Legendary bodybuilder and eight-time Mr. Olympia champion Lee Haney made a desperate plea for help after his family revealed this week that he is in need of a living kidney donor.

Haney’s son took to social media this week to reveal that the International Sports Hall of Famer’s kidney is failing 26 years after first being told that he would "eventually" need one. 

Eight-time Mr. Olympia winner Lee Haney attends the Arnold Sports Festival International Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2015 in Columbus, Ohio, on March 7, 2015. (Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images)

"First time sharing this — my dad needs a kidney donor. Please keep him in your prayers and share if you can," Joshua Haney’s Instagram post read. "He is a blessing to so many others and breathes life into all he does. There is more work to do."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Haney shared a message of his own to discredit an "appalling" rumor that seemingly began circulating after his son’s post. He did not clarify what the rumors were.

"Greetings to all my family and fans, I am alive and well. It’s appalling to see how fast rumors can spread," his post read.  "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."

Haney said he continues to lean on his faith and he is "still well and fully functional." 

Lee Haney stands at Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, Georgia, on