From ESPN:
EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey — Alonzo Mourning’s NBA career is over.
The seven-time All-Star center will soon need a kidney transplant and will no longer be able to play professional basketball, New Jersey Nets president and general manager Rod Thorn announced on Monday morning.
“It is with great sadness that I make this announcement,” Thorn said. “Alonzo is a true champion and a very courageous athlete who attempted to defy the odds with his comeback to the NBA. Unfortunately, his medical condition will not allow him to continue his basketball career. Our thoughts and prayers are with him as he continues his fight against this disease.”
The 33-year-old Mourning left the Miami Heat and signed a four-year, $22 million contract with the Nets last July despite missing the entire 2002-03 season with a kidney disease.
In 2000, Mourning was diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, a disease that causes chronic kidney failure within a decade in more than half of the people diagnosed.
I’m sad to see Zo go like this, but very happy that he’s still got his (relatively good) health. I hope the transplant and recovery goes well.
On another note, I was amazed that the Nets signed him given how many games he’s missed while dealing with his kidney disease. I wonder if the contract is guaranteed.
my wife of 34 years recently (dec1) passed away.she was a kidney transplant patient and one of the longest if not the longest living ever.her transplant was performed in january of 1968. I would like to find an email address for alonzo morning so as to send him a note of our support for him and his recent transplant. please send me and email address for alonzo. thank you robert t gauna (gaunart@aol.com)
Zo,
My 12 year old daughter was diagnosed with FSGS a little over a year ago. She is being treated at CHKD in Norfolk. Just want to say thank you for all you have done to make others aware of ckd. We are still trying to understand this mysterious disease. Sarah is taking 3 different medications trying to get her protein levels down. She still has normal kidney function at this time. With the funds that you have raised for FSGS research, we are hopeful that she won’t get to the point that she needs a transplant. I hope and pray that everything goes well for you. You are in our thoughts. Thanks for everything. You are our hero, even off the courts. Respectfully, Jenny
Zo,
My 12 year old daughter was diagnosed with FSGS a little over a year ago. She is being treated at CHKD in Norfolk. Just want to say thank you for all you have done to make others aware of ckd. We are still trying to understand this mysterious disease. Sarah is taking 3 different medications trying to get her protein levels down. She still has normal kidney function at this time. With the funds that you have raised for FSGS research, we are hopeful that she won’t get to the point that she needs a transplant. I hope and pray that everything goes well for you. You are in our thoughts. Thanks for everything. You are our hero, even off the courts. Respectfully, Jenny
I recently saw Zo on a sports talk show. He looks great for going thru the transplant. During the interview, Zo made the comment that many are treated for anemia when in fact the problem is the kidney. I have been tested and treated several times for anemia, however there are several kidney cases on my mothers side. Now I am wondering if in fact I have been mistreated. I will be doing further investigating. If you have a Web site or email for Zo I would love to send him a “thank you” for getting the word out to us.
I think that the 7 time all-star(Alonzo Mourning) should still play. He should probably not play this year but in 2004-2005, he should definetely be back no matter what. He has to keep trying to play and not ruin his career. Common there is no way you should loose your all-star career with a great team. Keep Working out Zo. If your reading this I always admired your defensive plays and i look at you not a player but as my idol.
please help me in finding out the most direct e-mail or phone # to contact Alonzo Mourning.He is my cousin and i really want to contact him.
10-20-04
Dear Alonzo Mourning,
My name is Preshus Revels. I am 12 years old. I am in the 7th grade and I go to Villa Duchense in St.Louis MO. The reason I am emailing you is because October 17-23 is Teen Read Week. I was wondering what your favorite books were, and who were your favorite authors. I would like it so much if you would email me back and let me know by: October 24,2004 PLEASE!!!
Sincerely,
Presus S. Revels
hey my name is jessica and i live in lima ohio alonzo ive been trying to reach you to tell you that iam your cuz and i would appreciate if you e-mail me and we can catch up and i can explain to you how were related i know you may think this is a joke but i promise its not. holla my e-mail is 1sexy_j4ya419@blackplanet.com
hey cuz just dropped by to tell u ive ben trying to locate you yeah there still some mournings left we live in lima,ohio and i was wanting to know if you could e-mail me back
Alonzo,
My name is Jake Mesches. I am 14 years old and I was diagnosed with FSGS in July 2003. I would just like to say that you have inspired me and it helps to know that someone can be such a strong person even with this disease. Please email me is you can because that would lift my heart to the sky.
Jake
My name is Robert Stevenson I am like you, I had a kidney transplant on Oct.24,2004. I am very happy and excited for you. But I need a favor from you, see I take karate and is an instructor. When you made your return I seen the kidney protector that you wear and I need one. It would be nice of you if you could send me the doctor or company name who made it for you. My kidney was put in on my left side.