Nate Robinson: 'I Don't Have Long To Live If I Can't Get A Kidney'

Nate Robinson, the former NBA star, is facing a dire health crisis. The 39-year-old athlete revealed that he is in urgent need of a kidney transplant, stating: 

"I know that I don't have long if I can't get a kidney. I know I'm not going to have long to live. So I just want to make the best of it as much as I can."

"Some people's body reject dialysis. And thank God that mine accepts it and I can live If I didn't go to dialysis, I wouldn't live probably longer than a week or two."

"So it's serious, can't miss a day. I go in for four hours, three days a week, four hours a day. And they clean my blood to get my toxins out. And they help me out a lot because that's how I'm living."

Reflecting on his journey, Robinson shared his gratitude for the dialysis machine, acknowledging its pivotal role in prolonging his life. Without this treatment, he candidly admitted that he would likely only have "a week or two" left to live. Despite the challenges he faces, Robinson remains determined to make the most of each day, cherishing moments with his family and engaging in activities he loves, such as basketball.

Renowned as the only three-time Slam Dunk Champion in NBA history, Robinson's athleticism and charisma captivated fans worldwide. However, his journey took a drastic turn in 2006 when doctors discovered kidney damage caused by high blood pressure, foretelling future health complications.

Undeterred by the prognosis, Robinson continued to pursue his passion for basketball, showcasing his talents internationally and in the G-League even after retiring from the NBA. Despite his resilience, his kidneys ultimately failed in 2018, signaling the end of his professional basketball career. Since then, Robinson has relied on a dialysis machine to sustain his life, undergoing grueling four-hour treatments three times a week.

The treatment, while life-sustaining, brings its own set of challenges, including painful vomiting and a strict diet devoid of processed foods. Despite these hardships, Robinson maintains a positive outlook on life, cherishing each day as a blessing. He remains grateful for the opportunity to wake up, spend time with his family, play basketball, and engage in activities he loves.

Despite retiring from professional basketball, Robinson's impact on the sport continues to resonate. His resilience in the face of adversity serves as a testament to his strength of character and unwavering spirit.

As Robinson navigates this challenging chapter of his life, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of human health and the importance of cherishing each moment. His courage in the face of adversity inspires us all to appreciate the gift of life and embrace each day with gratitude and resilience.