Udonis Haslem has fought battles far beyond the basketball court. Cancer took his mother. Cancer took his stepmother. And cancer took another loved one. Three times, he has watched the disease steal away family. But instead of breaking him, it ignited a fight in him. It was really strong of him to admit that even though in tremendous “pain”, he never felt confused.
“Oftentimes when you have adults lose their parents and they don’t know what to do next. They’re left and confused…,” he added. Haslem is dedicating significant efforts to assist such individuals as well as survivors of cancer.
Haslem is stepping up with Bounce Back from Cancer, a powerful initiative born from a collaboration between the Baptist Health Foundation and the Miami Heat. This isn’t just about raising money. It’s about funding research and clinical trials at the Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute, pushing forward the fight against a disease that has affected millions.
This year, Haslem rallied the community to participate in the event on March 15, encouraging them to walk or dribble with the ambitious goal of raising $5 million. Remarkably, he not only achieved this target but surpassed it.
“Big shoutout to @ud40 for leading the charge at #BounceBackfromCancer… A record-breaking $5+ million was raised for research at @baptisthealthsf Miami Cancer Institute,” the Baptist Health Foundation shared, celebrating the incredible achievement. And if you’re wondering whether there’s still a way to help, there is. There’s still time to make a difference. Donations remain open until March 31.
But for Haslem, this was about honoring those he lost and fighting for those still battling. “This initiative means a lot to me. It’s given me hope that we can make an impact against this devastating disease that’s affected several members of my family. And the fact that it brings together so many people from all walks of life to raise funds for research by dribbling a basketball – that makes it truly special,” he shared before the event.
Udonis Haslem has lost so much to cancer, making it clear why this cause means so much to him. That’s probably why he felt so upset when his closest friend from the league, Dwyane Wade, hid his own cancer battle.
Udonis Haslem was upset with Dwyane Wade for keeping him in the dark about his condition
Wade sent shockwaves through the NBA world when he revealed his kidney cancer diagnosis. Wade shared that doctors had discovered a suspicious mass in his kidney during a routine checkup. To prevent future complications, he underwent surgery to remove 40 percent of the organ – a major procedure by any measure.
Wade kept his cancer battle a secret from nearly everyone, including his longtime brother-in-arms, Udonis Haslem, shocking fans and fellow players when he finally revealed it. When Haslem learned the truth, he didn’t just feel surprised – he felt upset.
“Man, don’t ever let me read no s— like that in the paper no more,” Haslem said on the Out the Mud podcast.
“I know I can’t help you and I ain’t no doctor… But I can pray with you, I could cry with you…It’s a real brotherhood.”
Oct 18, 2014; San Antonio, TX, USA; Miami Heat power forward Udonis Haslem (left) shares a laugh with shooting guard Dwyane Wade (right) during the second half at AT&T Center. The Heat won 111-108 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
His words weren’t just about concern. They carried the weight of a friendship that had seen it all, from championship highs to personal struggles.
Wade later apologized, explaining that he had chosen to keep his battle private because he didn’t want to focus on negativity. Even letting his own family see his pain was too much to bear. However, he admitted that Haslem deserved to know.
Cancer doesn’t care who you are. It doesn’t care if you’re a three-time NBA champion or a father just trying to protect his family. Haslem understands that better than most, and his $5 million effort proves he isn’t here for lip service. The man is here to make a difference. The question now isn’t what he’s doing. It is: How can we contribute? .
The post “Lost and Confused”: Udonis Haslem Raises Over $5 Million to Battle the Cause of His Father’s Death appeared first on EssentiallySports.
