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.]