Two years ago, former NBA star, Nate Robinson, shared his kidney failure diagnosis. Now, 39 years old, Robinson recently revealed – in an interview with Daily Mail – that he might not have long to live.
“I know that I don’t have long if I can’t get a kidney. I know I’m not going to have long to live. So I just want to make the best of it as much as I can.”
Prior to his initial public announcement, Robinson had been suffering for four years and started undergoing treatment – which motivated his strict diet change. “Some people’s bodies reject dialysis. And thank God that mine accepts it and I can live. If I didn’t do dialysis, I wouldn’t live probably longer than a week or two. So it’s serious, can’t miss a day,” he explained.
In 2006, Robinson learned that his high blood pressure caused damage to his kidneys. And at that point in his life, he was still actively playing basketball. “I used to tell them, ‘Don’t check my blood pressure because I am playing regardless of what you say.’”
Despite the seriousness of the situation, Robinson said that he’s trying to keep a positive attitude and outlook.
“I’m enjoying the times when I do feel healthy. I try to get out there with my kids, see my family and play basketball, do the things that I love. I still try to do all the things that I can to stay and feel normal as I can, stay as human as I can.”
Never taking a moment or day for granted, Robinson expressed that he considers “every day a blessing.”
