One of the greatest basketball players of all times, Kareem Abdul-Jafar has been diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia in December last year. The six-time Most Valuable Player has given 20 notable years to the basketball fraternity. The 62-year old retired player said that his doctor had informed him of having a fairly good and long life to live provided his medical treatment is followed properly. Presently, Jafar is taking oral medications manufactured by a Swiss pharmacy company.
Abdul-Jafar was hesitant of coming public about his health issues but a year after being diagnosed decided to share his experience with the world. “Having lost one of my closest friends to a different, highly aggressive form of leukemia, I knew how serious my diagnosis was. My own life expectancy became a question mark.” He added, “I have never been a person to share my private life. But I can save lives.”
Since his announcement on 10th November, 2009, the NBA’s career lead scorer expressed being stopped in public by his well-wishers to offer him support and encouragement for his fight. “The response has been really intense,” he stated. “I didn’t expect it to play out this way, but it’s been wonderful. I’ve got people’s prayers and their support and they ask what they can do. People just want to connect and it’s been beautiful.”
While throughout his NBA career, Abdul-Jafar maintained a low profile and more than often avoided any contact with the media. But regular visits to his medical practitioner have left him in good spirits and the ex-pro is looking towards a bright and healthy future. “I’m not dealing with a death sentence and that’s one thing that was very important for me to communicate with everyone, that this condition can be managed” said the living marvel.