Former NBA player Nate Robinson has shared his ongoing struggle as he waits for a kidney donor.
The 40-year-old has been battling kidney disease for 18 years, with his health at risk without a donor.
Robinson, a former three-time NBA Dunk Champion, disclosed to Men’s Health that his kidneys are operating at less than 15 percent of their optimal function.
He is hopeful that a donor can come from “family, friends, or a dedicated fan.”
“The Black individuals I know who go through this — [receiving a kidney] is always more challenging for them,” Robinson shared with Men’s Health. “For some reason, they face more obstacles, bro. It’s tougher for us to get healthy, find a kidney, or accomplish anything. Our community goes through rough times.”
The former NBA guard is also aiming to enter the Washington state kidney transplant waitlist and the national list soon.
And he remains steadfast in his hope.
“I’ve never been one to give up, and I won’t start now,” Robinson affirmed. “I want to inspire someone with my journey. This is not the end of my story.”
He added, “I need to hang in there. I want to live for another 40 years: be a grandfather, witness my kids’ kids, take them to the gym, share stories of my time in the NBA with LeBron and Kobe and all these guys. I have to fight for it.”
Robinson publicly announced his failing kidneys in October 2022.
He was diagnosed with kidney disease in 2006 and shared that he distanced himself from loved ones during the initial two years of his dialysis treatment in Seattle.
“No one saw me,” he reflects. “I was really struggling with this. Some days, I didn’t even want to leave my house; I didn’t want to continue with dialysis. Some days, I did want to keep going until I find a kidney.”
Despite facing challenges, Robinson remains optimistic for a brighter future.
“I realized I needed to appreciate what I have,” Robinson expressed. “There are people dealing with serious health issues like diabetes, blindness, or internal problems. And compared to that, I am relatively healthy. So, I count my blessings. Stay humble. My family kept reminding me that I can’t stop living.”
READ MORE: Nate Robinson Reveals He ‘Doesn’t Have Long to Live’
