Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Reveals He Has Rare Form Of Leukemia

Lakers legend and Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar reveals that he is being treated for a rare form of leukemia. Read more on Kareem’s revealing interview with the Associated Press below.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar revealed he has Philadelphia chromosome-postive chronic myeloid leukemia, which is a rare form of the cancerous blood condition that impacts blood and bone marrow.

Kareem found out about having leukemia almost a year ago but didn’t go public with the news until today.

“The word ‘leukemia’ is a very frightening word,” he said in a phone interview from New York. “In many instances, it’s a killer and it’s something that you have to deal with in a very serious and determined way if you’re going to beat it.”

Although his condition sounds very scary, Kareem’s long-term prognosis is considered positive and he has responded well to treatment.

Kareem wanted to go  public with the information to raise public awareness.

“I’ve never been a person to share my private life. But I can help save lives,” he said at a midtown Manhattan conference room. “It’s incumbent on someone like me to talk about this.”

Jabbar said he learned he had the disease when he started having hot flashes last year and had blood work done.

Click thumbnails for larger pictures

Images: wenn.com

• WTF? Teenager Calvino Inman Cries Tears Of Blood (VIDEO)
• Mary Travers Death: Mary Travers Of Peter, Paul & Mary Dies At 72
• Michael Jackson Sick & Dying? (Photos)
• Colin Farrell shows off James to the world.
• Beauty with FOUR kidneys.
• Christie Brinkley Denied Restraining Order On Ex Peter Cook: Brinkley Angry Cook Does 20/20 Interview
• Jennifer Lopez will sing at your birthday
• Top 10 Drunken Celebrity Videos
• Megan Fox Pictures GQ Magazine
• The View: The N Word Controversy Video: Elizabeth Hasselbeck in Tears Over Discussion

Posted by: Monya

2 comments