?No One Wants an NBA Legend Dying on Their Watch?: Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Who Battled With Prostate Cancer and Leukemia, Once Opened Up on His Emotional Struggle

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is one of the greatest players to ever touch a basketball. The Los Angeles Lakers legend has won six NBA championships in his career spanning over two decades. The Hall of Famer is now 75 years of age. The legend had faced a few minor injuries during his 20-year career, but they were never enough to stop his dominance. Kareem was diagnosed with Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia in 2008. He wrote an article with WebMD detailing his struggles.

The Lakers legend managed to stay fit and healthy despite battling Cancer. Furthermore, he overcame his hurdles by being diligent in visiting his doctor and getting regular blood tests.

It is understood that a star of his stature was given all the medical facilities and help required for his recovery. Kareem sheds light on the health care system and how African-Americans such as himself are at a disadvantage. He wrote an article for WebMD to reflect on his recovery from leukemia and Prostate Cancer.

Amir, who is Kareem’s son, is a surgeon who works in the healthcare sector. Kareem talked about how Black Americans are predisposed to a shorter life expectancy and health problems. Also, according to him, there is social injustice in the American healthcare system and is proud of his son for working towards it.

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He feels that the future of equity for Black Americans starts with their physical and mental health. Further, he reflects on his own recovery and how to help countless others like him in changing their life.

Los Angeles Lakers star Kareem Abdul Jabbar reflects on the healthcare system

According to WebMD, the highest rate of obesity among Americans is among African Americans. Further, this significantly increases the risk of high blood pressure, strokes, diabetes, and heart disease in Blacks.

Kareem said, ” I?ve had prostate cancer, leukemia, and heart bypass surgery. I?ve been fortunate because my celebrity has brought me enough financial security to receive excellent medical attention… No one wants an NBA legend dying on their watch. Imagine the Yelp reviews.”

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“I’m also lucky that one of my sons is an orthopedic surgeon, and another is a hospital administrator… But while I’m grateful for my advantages, I’m acutely aware that many others in the Black community do not have the same options.”

Furthermore, the Los Angeles and Milwaukee Bucks champion also wrote about the BLM movement in 2013 to protest police violence.?