Photo Credit: Getty Images
Former NBA star Nate Robinson, 40, has revealed his ongoing struggle with kidney disease and his urgent need for a kidney donor to survive. Diagnosed with kidney disease in 2006, Robinson's condition has deteriorated, with his kidneys now functioning at less than 15% of their optimal capacity since failing in 2018.
Robinson's health issues began after he passed out from dehydration and incessant vomiting, leading to his initial diagnosis. Despite doctors' warnings that his kidneys would likely fail in his thirties, Robinson continued to believe he was invincible. “I felt like I was Superman. I never thought I would get sick,” he told Men's Health. However, his condition worsened in 2018, and a severe bout of Covid-19 exacerbated his health problems, forcing him to start dialysis.
Facing a life-threatening situation, Robinson is actively seeking a kidney donor. He is hoping to find a match from “family, friends, or a cool-a** fan.” The journey is fraught with difficulties, particularly for African Americans, who face lower donor rates. "For some reason, they make it harder for us, bro. To get healthy, to get a kidney, to do anything. Our people go through tough times," Robinson remarked.
The physical toll of his condition is severe, with Robinson experiencing "charley-horse-like cramps" and "violent vomiting and shortness of breath" during dialysis. He described the emotional burden as well, saying, "I was so angry in the beginning. I was so mean." His girlfriend, Sheena Felitz, helped him see the impact of his negativity, reminding him that his family was there to support him. “You can’t be mean to yourself, and you can’t be mean to us,” she told him.
Despite these challenges, Robinson remains hopeful and committed to living a full life. He continues to train at the gym, maintain a strict diet, and spend time with his children, drawing strength from his desire to see them grow up. "I gotta stick around. I want to stay alive for the next 40 years: be a grandpa, see my kids’ kids, take them to the gym, tell them the stories of when I was in the NBA around ’Bron and Kob’ and all these guys. I gotta fight for it," he said.
“That’s one thing I respect about myself. I’ve never been a quitter. And I ain’t gon’ start now." he asserted. “I’m gonna be a testimony to somebody. My story doesn’t end here.”
