Prayers For The Captain

by Nestor on Nov 10, 2009 9:08 AM PST in Basketball

Barnes2JJ already fanshotted this which we promoted on the home page. Still this deserves another stand along post to ensure that Big Fella has the total attention and prayers from the entire Bruins Nation. If you haven't read by now, AP reported today Kareem is battling "a rare form of leukemia."

No need for us to get down. The early prognosis is encouraging and the Captain just like he has entire life is battling like a warrior (emphasis added):

A longtime student in martial arts, Abdul-Jabbar said he took the approach of a samurai -- to face death without fear.

"I had my face on," he said.

Instead, doctors told him CML was treatable with proper medication and monitoring.

Abdul-Jabbar is a special assistant with the Lakers and said he hasn't had to cut back his level of activity of coaching, change his regimen or adjust his diet. "I'm able to sneak out for Thai food," he said.

"There is hope. This condition can be treated. You can still live a productive, full life," he said. "I'm living proof I can make it."

And just like the Big Red, who made his retirement statement about everyone except for himself, the Big Fella is using this news to help everyone else:

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

I am guessing Coach cracked out a huge smile when he read those quotes.

Once again, the prayers of the entire blue and gold bleeding nation is with the Big Fella today.

GO BRUINS.

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I was shocked to hear the news this morning

One of the all time greats and one of my favorites growing up in the 80’s. Going to UCLA made it all that much sweeter and my house proudly displays a Kareem Abdul Jabbar UCLA jersey on the wall.

All the best to you Kareem.

"If you don't take out his battery, he's going to keep going all day."

by S Jay Bruin on Nov 10, 2009 10:08 AM PST reply actions

I saw Kareem picking up a prescription a couple of weeks ago

At the time, I didn’t think much of it. It never crossed my mind that he was battling such a deadly disease.

Get well soon, Kareem.

by Gen2Bruin1987 on Nov 10, 2009 10:27 AM PST reply actions

It says he's on a Novartis drug

Probably imatinib (Gleevec). It’s a well tolerable drug with very good success (>95% response). I’m curious as to what CML phase he’s in.

Go Bruins!!!

by JKNaka on Nov 10, 2009 10:40 AM PST reply actions

He's also now a Novartis spokesman

But apparently in a ESPN interview, he didn’t name the drugs…I guess he didn’t want to seem like he was promoting Novartis at the same time talking about himself.

by Westwood Wizard on Nov 10, 2009 5:43 PM PST up reply actions

Courageous

You just have to appreciate the way the Captain is handling this. Dignity, courage, class, etc. It’s inspirational.

by Barnes2JJ on Nov 10, 2009 10:52 AM PST reply actions

More on Kareem

People Magazine talks about how his son is a med student and the article has links to other sites.

by bruinbabe2000 on Nov 10, 2009 11:43 AM PST reply actions

We;re rooting for you Kareem!

I don’t think you can underestimate the courage it took Kareem to come out with his diagnosis and make this public. He’s been an intensely private man, going back to before he even stepped foot in Westwood. This was a big deal to Kareem to come out about this, but doing so will do so much good.

Formerly ryebreadraz

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Nov 10, 2009 12:41 PM PST reply actions

A class act

Mr. Abdul-Jabbar. What a class act he is and was on and off the court. How lucky we were/are to have him in our midst in southern California, both at UCLA and with the Lakers all those years (and even now as a Lakers assistant). I have so many fond memories of this ‘gentle giant’ roaming the court at the then-‘Fabulous Forum’ along with Magic Johnson… This man, despite all the achievements and international recognition is about as humble a human being as one can be. Ever-respectful, always a man of great thought and insight, and a man genuinely at peace with himself and the world. We need more men in this world like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Even though it sounds as if he has all the resources and medication at the ready, we wish him and his family well.

We’re pulling for you, Cap!

W.S. Montano Class of 1994

by wsmontano1994 on Nov 10, 2009 1:23 PM PST reply actions

We're all pulling for you Kareem!

Samurai indeed. With the right mindset, you can overcome anything. As you said, you are already a living example of that. We’re all proud to have you as a Bruin forever!

by solidgoldsound on Nov 10, 2009 1:30 PM PST reply actions

Praying for Kareem

As I posted in the “favorite Bruin of all time” thread, Kareem is my favorite Bruin of all time (if you made me pick only one). This is bad news to hear but if anyone can fight through it is a warrior like Kareem. I hope he makes a full recovery and he and his family are in my prayers

"Beating USC isn't a matter of life and death, it's more important than that" -Red Sanders-

by PrincetonBruin on Nov 10, 2009 3:22 PM PST reply actions