Nate Robinson Seeks Kidney Donor in Urgent Health Battle
Former NBA star Nate Robinson, 40, has made a heartfelt plea for a kidney donor as he battles a life-threatening disease. Diagnosed with kidney disease 18 years ago, Robinson’s condition has now reached a critical stage, with his kidneys functioning at less than 15 percent of their optimal capacity.
Nate Robinson’s daily life is heavily impacted by his condition. He undergoes dialysis, a procedure to remove waste and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to do so effectively. Despite the life-sustaining treatment, Robinson experiences severe side effects, including body cramps, shortness of breath, and violent vomiting. However, on days when he feels better post-treatment, he stays active by training at the gym and spending quality time with his children.
In an interview with Men’s Health, Nate Robinson expressed his determination to live a long life, hoping to be there for his children and future grandchildren. “I gotta stick around. I want to stay alive for the next 40 years: be a grandpa, see my kids’ kids, take them to the gym, tell them the stories of when I was in the NBA around ‘Bron and Kob’ and all these guys,” he shared. His fighting spirit remains undeterred, despite the overwhelming challenges he faces.
Nate Robinson Basketball Career
Nate Robinson, who made history as the first player to win the Slam Dunk Contest three times, enjoyed an 11-season NBA career with eight different teams, including the Knicks, Bulls, and Warriors. Throughout his career, he faced health warnings from team doctors about his high blood pressure, one of the primary causes of kidney disease alongside diabetes. Despite these warnings, Robinson chose to continue playing, often dismissing the medical advice.
By 2018, Robinson’s kidney function had deteriorated significantly, leading to kidney failure. In 2020, after contracting Covid-19 and being hospitalized, he was told that dialysis was his only option for survival. “They told me I might as well start dialysis today. ‘Your kidneys are working too hard; they’re deteriorating as we speak. The only way you will walk out of here alive is if you start dialysis.’ It was the only thing I had left,” Robinson recalled.
Robinson is now hoping to get on the Washington state kidney transplant waitlist and eventually the national list. He has accepted his journey, drawing strength from his mother’s belief in his resilience. “She knows that I’m gonna give it my all like anything else,” he said. “That’s one thing I respect about myself. I’ve never been a quitter. And I ain’t gon’ start now.”
Nate Robinson’s story is a stark reminder of the importance of organ donation and the ongoing struggles faced by those with chronic illnesses. His determination and positive outlook amidst such adversity are inspiring, as he continues to fight for his life and the chance to create more memories with his loved ones.
