Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Has Leukemia
Yesterday, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar revealed to the LA Times that he has Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia, which is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow that produces cancerous blood cells. This is news you never like to hear, but Abdul-Jabbar is confident about his long-term prognosis. Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow that produces cancerous blood cells.
“The word ‘leukemia’ is a very frightening word,” Kareem told the LA Times. “In many instances, it’s a killer and it’s something that you have to deal with in a very serious and determined way if you’re going to beat it.”
Ever since he retired over 20 years ago, Abdul-Jabbar has always taken good care of himself. In the article, he says he’s practiced Yoga and has had regular check ups. He is a special assistant with the Lakers and could be offered a consulting job with the Grizzlies. He doesn’t see the disease slowing him down.
“The fact that you can manage the disease means that you can live your life,” Abdul-Jabbar said. “The fact that you have to go and get your blood analyzed and consult with your doctor might be a minor inconvenience, or you have to take your medication every day. But if you do these things, you can lead a normal live.”
November 10th, 2009 at 11:48 am
That's whats up says:
wow. tough when you hear one of the GOAT’s has something like this.
If Magic is still good 18 years later with hiv, I can see Kareem dropping skyhooks in the 2025 Legends game.
Best of luck Kareem
November 10th, 2009 at 11:48 am
don cannon says:
dam thats sad to hear….one of the greatest and classiest professional athletes ever….hopefully he bears it
November 10th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
jryu says:
wish him the best.
cancer’s a scary mofo…..
November 10th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
Kermit The Washington says:
Yo, about a month ago, a close friend of mine was diagnosed with this crap. It killed him ONE WEEK LATER. No lie; one day he’s “not feeling right” and then 7 days later he’s dying in the hospital. That mess is crazy. Obviously, my boy’s cancer was verrry aggressive, so I hope Kareem’s isn’t that bad. But either way this is bad news.
November 10th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
ab_40 says:
wow. his family isn’t gonna read this and he isn’t either but I wish him and his family the best with him and his ailment
November 10th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
jlee9 says:
Wish Kareem all the best! One of the best, definitely the best center in my opinion, in NBA history. I always saw Kareem as private and reluctant to publicize much about his personal life during his career and I am glad that he is taking his disease in stride and working to make the greater population know and understand this disease.
November 10th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
. says:
clean this article up dime…typo-mania
November 10th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Colton says:
co sign … the typos threw me off. lead a normal live … were we looking for live there or was it life?
November 10th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
P says:
Get well soon big fella..
November 10th, 2009 at 7:55 pm
LakeShow84 says:
One of the SMARTEST men to ever play the game PERIOD..
Wrote some great books for African Americans.. Black Profiles in Courage is a great book for youngsters..