People has confirmed that NBA’s basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has been battling cancer. He was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia in December 2008 and decided to finally share his story.
“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, 62. “My own life expectancy became a question mark.”
His words of advice to others dealing with cancer is “to encourage fellow patients to take charge of their health and work closely with your doctor, monitor your disease and, above all, take your medicine.”
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is currently an assistant coach with the Lakers, the team he led to five championships throughout his career. According to People, “he is undergoing treatment with a medicine that targets the abnormal protein that causes his leukemia, and is expected to live a full, active life.”
His positive attitude and determination will get him through this tough time in his life. Our prayers are with him as he fights the toughest battle ever.
