NZ basketball legend Kenny McFadden rushed to hospital, now on dialysis

Kenny McFadden, pictured with Kiwi basketball star Steven Adams, has been diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease. Photo / File

American-Kiwi basketball legend Kenny McFadden has been diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease and is on dialysis.

McFadden was rushed to hospital several weeks ago with acute respiratory failure. After "extreme medical intervention" he pulled through and was placed on dialysis.

Well known as the mentor and manager of Kiwi basketballer Steven Adams, McFadden is a former professional basketball player and has been instrumental in developing and coaching New Zealand's young basketball players.

McFadden is under "heavy financial strain", according to a Givealittle page set up to fundraise for his healthcare costs.

"Throughout this trying time he has managed to maintain a positive attitude with his big heart and smile however this illness has rendered him unable to work," the page says.

"This is placing heavy financial strain on him and his partner, which on top of regular visits to the hospital, is making a tough time that much harder."

Raising funds will help improve McFadden's quality of life and ease the burden on his family, it says.