Bradly Grizzard Received Kidney Transplant from his Mother due to FSGS

(Washington, DC) – Bradly Grizzard, along with his parents Bobby and Jennifer Grizzard, of Massillon, Ohio met on Thursday, December 15, 2005 with their congressman, Ralph Regula, in Washington, DC, to discuss the need for further research into the kidney conditions Nephrotic Syndrome and FSGS.  The Grizzards are representing The NephCure Foundation and the thousands of families struggling with these kidney conditions.

Nephrotic Syndrome and Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerious (FSGS) are conditions that affect the tiny filtering mechanisms in the kidney.  The result is that beneficial protein is spilled from the kidney into the urine and lost.  Over time this condition will result in renal failure and the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant.  The cause for Nephrotic Syndrome and FSGS is not known and there is no cure.

“It is important to educate our leaders about Nephrotic Syndrome and FSGS and the terrible affects it has on tens-of-thousands of Americans,” said Bradly Grizzard. “I hope that one day there is a cure so other families do not have to fight these diseases.”

The Grizzards are members of The NephCure Foundation.

Bradly Grizzard, age 19, was first diagnosed in 2002.  At the time he was playing high school football and was a prospective college football recruit.  He initially responded to standard treatments, however, his condition eventually progressed to where he required dialysis treatment.  In May of 2005, Bradly received a kidney transplant from his mother and he is currently a student at The University of Akron.

Congressman Regula is the Chair of the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies.  This subcommittee recommends funding for the National Institutes of Health, which overseas the federal government’s medial research.

The Grizzard Family also met with Ohio Senator George V. Voinovich.

Bobby Grizzard is a police detective with the Massillon Police Department.  Bradly’s mother, Jennifer Grizzard, is a Certified Medical Assistant.