Grizz Chapman of “30 Rock” Needs a Kidney

By Amanda Pendolino on December 15th, 2009

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He may be part of Tracy Jordan’s cushy entourage on 30 Rock, but in real life, Grizz Chapman is facing a tough battle with high blood pressure. According to the Associated Press, the actor announced yesterday that he needs a kidney transplant and wants to raise awareness of the dangers of high blood pressure, which led to his condition.

Grizz will appear on The Dr. Oz Show today to discuss his health, and the issue. He said he is receiving dialysis treatments and will continue to play Grizzwald the NBC sitcom. The 35-year-old is married and has two children.

Grizz said he was diagnosed a decade ago with high blood pressure and learned two years ago that he was suffering from kidney disease. He gets dialysis treatments three times a week. The actor said he will have the organ transplant when a match is found and he’s at an acceptable weight. “I’m a little nervous about the process, but I’m definitely willing and able,” he said.

I feel like so many of us are too scared or uncomfortable to talk about organ donation, but it really could save so many lives. For more information about becoming a living kidney donor, visit the National Kidney Foundation’s website here.