There was a moment when Alonzo Mourning thought his basketball days were over. Before winning his NBA championship with the Miami Heat, Mourning dealt with some serious life-threatening issues. He was diagnosed with Focal Glomerulosclerosis, which is a rare kidney disease. This disease leads to kidney failure and the only treatment is to receive a transplant.
In 2003, Mourning received a DOUBLE transplant. One kidney even came from his cousin, who requested to remain anonymous. After having two successful transplants, he was able to go back to basketball. This rare disease changed Mourning’s life and made him focus on his health. He encourages people to “focus a little more on your health” and to “become an organ donor”. He says there are many people waiting on transplants just waiting on somebody to be their hero.
