Former Revolution Midfielder In Need Of Kidney Transplant

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Wednesday, April 02, 2014

Matt LaPan, Go Local Worcester Sports Reporter

Photo By: RevolutionSoccer.net

Former New England Revolution midfielder Clyde Simms unexpectedly announced his retirement from Major League Soccer in February due to his battle with kidney disease.

Simms, a nine-year MLS veteran, is currently battling Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). FSGS is a disease that leaves scaring in the kidneys. The disease has recently progressed to the point that Simms is in need of a kidney transplant. The average wait time on the kidney transplant list is about four years, yet many people facing kidney disease require going on dialysis long before that time. Simms being one of those people.

In a statement on RevolutionSoccer.net Simms said, “I’ve never really talked about this because I always chose the mind over matter approach, but my health has gotten to a point where I can no longer do that. When I was a freshman in high school, we discovered that I suffered from FSGS, the same kidney disease as Alonzo Mourning. When I started playing with D.C., my kidney function was around 50 percent, and the last three years of my career, it has gotten down to about 20 percent.

"I fell in love with this sport at a young age and was determined not to let anything stop me. Unfortunately, for the past 10 years I have been dealing with kidney disease and it has become too tough for me to compete at this level anymore. I made sure for as long as I could I would still fight for my dream, my passion. I was very lucky to have had such a great run, but now it’s time to fight another battle.”

The Revolution are showing their support for Simms by setting up www.revolutionsoccer.net/OurFriendClyde. The page provides information on Simms, kidney disease and kidney donation. The page also provides helpful information from the National Kidney Foundation.

Fans can support Simms by using the hashtag #OurFriendClyde on Twitter or by emailing [email protected] with words of support or encouragement. Fans can also call his donation center at Mass General Live Donation Center - 617-643-7193.