By Kris Robinson I am not sure what impressed me most when I first met him; his height as he entered the room or his positive attitude. But I was impressed by both as Alonzo Mourning and I sat down for an interview. Mourning, who plays Center for the Miami Heat (NBA), was diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulsclerosis over one year ago. His disease is considered a genetic disorder, although, he has no known relatives with chronic kidney disease or who are on dialysis. Learning he had kidney disease came as a complete shock because he had never heard of this disease, but this basketball player is winning the game against chronic kidney disease (CKD). Like many of us who do not want to admit we are sick, Mourning – or “Zo” as he is known in the basketball world – ignored the early warning signs of kidney disease. Shortly after his appearance in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney , Australia , he noticed his legs were swollen. He ignored the symptoms, blaming it on long hours on a plane and his heavy game schedule. When it was time for the annual team physical, the excuses no longer proved themselves accurate. Lab work showed that his creatinine and albumin were abnormal. After more tests, he received a call from a local nephrologist telling him he had chronic kidney disease. That is when Mourning went into action, by developing a game plan with prominently known nephrologist, Dr. Gerald Appel. It is Mourning’s positive attitude that prompted how he reacted. “I just dealt with it. I always stayed positive. I said what can I do to be healthy?” Mourning began reading and learning everything he could about kidney disease. He asked his assistant to research kidney disease and visit Web sites for more information. Armed with knowledge, Mourning began changing many of his habits. “I gave up drinking and started paying attention to my diet…diet is crucial.” Mourning is serious about his diet, consuming lean, non-fatty foods, juices and staying away from salt and red meat. He works with a nutritionist to ensure he is eating the right foods. “I also work out a lot and keep my body in real good shape.” A statement that is more than apparent as one looks at the physically fit basketball player. Although his family was shocked to learn he had chronic kidney disease, they have adapted well. Married to Tracy , the couple has two children – son Alonzo III and daughter Myka. The entire family follows the same diet as Mourning. When he speaks about his children, Mourning smiles with pride. It is important to him to be able to play with his kids and spend time with them. His family is the main reason he works hard at being healthy, by taking his medications and following his diet. Mourning’s message to fellow CKD patients is unwavering. “Find out all you can. Listen to your docs. Educate yourself on your particular disease. Change your lifestyle to adapt. Don’t drink. Don’t smoke.” But above all, Mourning is quite clear on the most important aspect about his care. “Stay positive.” He believes that you have to possess the right mental attitude. Of course he knows that everyone has doubts and fears, but if you control your mind, your body will eventually follow. After our interview, I joined Mourning in speaking to a group of over 100 people. He shared his personal story and stressed the importance of working hard to be healthy. I was fascinated by his acceptance of the challenges he faced and the way he joked about certain aspects of CKD, like his fear of needles. We chatted back and forth on stage and that is when I realized that this 6’10” basketball star was no different than any other person facing a challenge, except that he had a winning edge. His upbeat air, acceptance to change and friendly, fun attitude were the same qualities I had previously encountered with others who did well with kidney disease. Demonstrating once again, that attitude truly makes a difference in long-term health outcomes. Equipped with a smile and encouraging word for whomever he meets, Alonzo Mourning is a true role model for kidney patients everywhere. Take it from this basketball star, maintaining a positive attitude is the game plan for success. Kris Robinson is the Executive Director of the American Association of Kidney Patients and a kidney transplant recipient. This article originally appeared in the March/April 2003 issue of Kidney Beginnings: The Magazine, Vol. 2, No. 1.
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