Michael Jordan’s Mother Steps Out to Help Fight Against Disease That Affects 1 Out of 365 Minorities

It’s not only Michael Jordan who turned adversity into triumph. His family has overcome struggles of its own, especially his mother. The NBA legend’s mother is now a dedicated philanthropist and an inspiring presence for many. She’s now putting her energy into fighting a disease that’s prevalent in many regions. And with the right kind of help, it can be overcome.

Deloris Jordan’s tale has an extremely moving story of her own. She’s since proven herself a fighter and spreading that encouragement everywhere.

Michael Jordan’s mother supports a good cause

Deloris Jordan, better known as the mother of the legendary Michael Jordan, was in Dayton on November 2 for a very vital reason. She is spreading awareness about sickle-cell anemia in her late husband’s memory. The 82-year-old visited the Midmark Corporation in Versailles and the Solvita Blood Center in Dayton. Both organizations have worked together to organize frequent blood donation drives annually.

Sickle-cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders that affects 100,000 Americans according to government statistics. Minorities are often on the receiving end of the diagnosis. 1 out of 365 African American children have SCD. 1 out of 13 African American children are born with the sickle cell trait (SCT). The numbers are also high among Hispanics.

Sickle cells are abnormally shaped red blood cells that don’t function optimally. The disorder can lead to several complications like anemia. Blood transfusions are a common treatment for this disorder. Solvita has been working on increasing minority blood donations to meet the requirements for transfusions from donors with matching racial backgrounds.

READ MORE: From Scottie Pippen to Horace Grant: Michael Jordan’s Friends Turned Foes Listed From Bad to Worse

Deloris hopes more people will donate towards these treatments. At the event, she encouraged African-Americans in particular to donate blood for patients suffering from SCD. She also praised the blood bank’s efforts to promote donations.

Local authorities also supported the cause. Dayton’s mayor, Jeffrey Mims Jr. is a former soccer coach who enumerated the problems kids with SCD face while playing sports. This mayor also coached Ron Harper in his secondary sport of soccer before he went on to play in the NBA. Harper was, of course, Deloris’ son’s teammate during the Chicago Bulls‘ second three-peat.

Deloris didn’t make any public comments at the event. She was reportedly discussing plans with all the parties to support the cause under the James R. Jordan Foundation, named after her late husband and MJ’s father.

MJ’s mom becomes an inspiring force

Deloris Jordan had a critical pregnancy with Michael. At that time, she got the news of her own mother’s passing. In the book, Michael Jordan: The Life, James Jordan revealed the grief compounded the stress on the pregnant Deloris.

WATCH THIS STORY | “Shot Over Some Shoes”: Michael Jordan-Related Crime Led to Strict 1-Word Safety Prohibition for Celtics Legend

She went into premature labor and Michael was born before the hospital staff could get her into the emergency room. Deloris had to put thoughts about her mother aside to focus on her son, who had some initial complications from the birth.

As history goes, His Airness made it and became an icon. Whereas Deloris established and led multiple charities. She’d also serve as the president of the James R. Jordan Foundation, which she founded at the prime of her son’s career. She often stays low-key and furthers the cause she’s pushing. But her inspiring pursuits deserve all the applause it can get.