I Thought I Was Going to Die: Alonzo Mourning Discusses Kidney Disotder

Alonzo Mourning discussed his 2000 diagnosis of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), which paused his career and could have resulted in his death without a transplant. 

Mourning was one of the best players in the NBA throughout the 1990s, controlling the middle for Pat Riley's Miami Heat. But that was put to a halt when he received his life-changing diagnosis. The center recalled the moment:

"One day, I'm on the top of the world: a gold medalist, All-Star, Defensive Player of the Year, All-NBA team, All-Defensive team. I got all those accolades one year, and then the very next year — bam! — I've got to retire from the game. I was afraid for my life. I didn't know anything about this disease. I couldn't even pronounce it. So when I heard it, I was extremely frightened because the doctor told me that I was going to need a transplant."

The center was originally selected by the Charlotte Hornets out of Georgetown before trading him to the Heat in 1995. He was a seven-time All Star, and was named the league's Defensive Player of the Year in 1999 and 2000. 

Following his diagnosis, Mourning was forced to sit out for the entire 2002-2003 season. He would later sign with the New Jersey Nets, but ended up regretting the decision. 

The story has a happy ending as Mourning, now a role player and no longer a star, resigned with the Heat in 2004. Mourning would play a significant role on Miami's 2006 championship team and remains healthy to this day. 

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Written by Todd Neikirk

Todd Neikirk is a New Jersey-based politics, entertainment and history writer. His work has been featured in psfk.com, foxsports.com, politicususa.com and hillreporter.com. He enjoys sports, politics, comic books, and anything that has to do with history. When he is not sitting in front of a laptop, Todd enjoys soaking up everything the Jersey Shore has to offer with his wife, two sons and American Foxhound, Wally.