NBA Great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Diagnosed With Cancer
One of the world's all-time best basketball players, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar announced that he has been battling cancer for nearly a year.
The current Lakers coach was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia in December 2008 and is currently undergoing treatment.
"Having lost one of my closest friends to a different, highly aggressive form of leukemia, I knew how serious my diagnosis was," said Abdul-Jabbar. "My own life expectancy became a question mark."
Kareem is taking medication that targets the abnormal protein which causes the disease. And if all goes according to plan, he is expected to lead a full, active life.
The sports legend and father of five came forward with his diagnosis after learning that many patients do not regularly take their medication and tend to skip out on doctor's appointments.
"I'm telling my story to encourage fellow patients to take charge of their health," said Kareem. "Work closely with your doctor, monitor your disease and, above all, take your medicine."
Amen.
[Image via WENN.]
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The 62-year-old Abdul-Jabbar said his doctor didn't give any guarantees, but informed him: "You have a very good chance to live your life out and not have to make any drastic changes to your lifestyle."
Abdul-Jabbar is taking an oral medication for the disease. He is a paid spokesman for the Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis, which makes a drug that treats the illness.
Citing the way Los Angeles Lakers teammate Magic Johnson brought awareness to HIV, Abdul-Jabbar said he wants to do the same for his form of blood cancer, which can be fatal if left untreated.
"I've never been a person to share my private life. But I can help save lives," he said at a midtown Manhattan conference room. "It's incumbent on someone like me to talk about this."
Oh Perez! I know your website needs to be dramatic, but, My God, you love that "cancer" word! It is NOT a death sentence. We all need to think differently about this illness and stop assuming it equals death.
We create what we believe. Let's believe this is a curable illness.
Instead, doctors told him CML was treatable with proper medication and monitoring.
Abdul-Jabbar is a special assistant with the Lakers and said he hasn't had to cut back his level of activity of coaching, change his regimen or adjust his diet. "I'm able to sneak out for Thai food," he said.
"There is hope. This condition can be treated. You can still live a productive, full life," he said. "I'm living proof I can make it."
Abdul-Jabbar recently returned from an academic conference in Abu Dhabi and has several speaking engagements planned. Among the people he regularly talks to about his condition is his son, a third-year medical student at the University of California, San Francisco.
-Ben Walker
I love this man. He sent my baby brother-about 10 at the time a signed, personalized autograph when my brother wrote and requested one. My brother did this to his top 10 athlete "stars." This is the only true star as he is the only one to respond to the young country boy who grew up to do great things with his life. Bravo, fine sir. You are quite the gentleman!
Cancer. Stop with your, "Get Well" crap. Cancer is your lottery ticket outta here.
If everyone "Got Well" everytime they got some serious disease this planet would
be grossly overpopulated. Death is meant to happen. I wish people would stop trying to live forever.
Re: Zombiezgrl – Tell that to the young mother who just buried her under 40-something husband. You are a douche. Grow up.
Re: Zombiezgrl – out of where? zombies walk the earth, no? goof.
i met kareem and his wife at a family friend's party about 4 months ago. he was very humble and extremely kind. he even took pictures with all the kids. he is definitely a legend.
I just read this elsewhere. Obviously this is always sad news. I hope that he is able to manage this cancer and have many more years of a happy life. I know people can live a long time with chronic leukemias.
Because I know accurate reporting is important to you, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is NOT the current Lakers coach. He has a "special assistant coaches" position. Phil Jackson is the current coach of the Lakers. Here's to getting facts straight, from a fellow journalist
Re: Zombiezgrl – wait until it happens to you. Jus' sayin'
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Amen
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Shalom
Dr. M
MM
Stay strong. Prayers to the family and friends. I believe he is Jessica Alba's husband godfather. Cash father Michael Warren is his best friend. I hope he
can beat this. If anyone can he can.
Re: Zombiezgrl – Wow I can't believe someone like you can be so cold hearted……sad =o(
Re: katfish – Ageed!!!!
love you, kareem! you're an inspiration!
Get Well Soon God Bless!!!!
Zombiezgrl - One day when it happens to you I doubt you will feel the same.
As someone who was diagnosed just over two years ago when I was 21 with CML and still not having shared the news with family or many friends I have deep respect for him for coming out with his battle with the disease. My prayers and well wishes to him and his family.