Basketball Star and Transplant Recipient to Receive President's Medal

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Alonzo Mourning

Citation: Kidney News 16, 10/11

Hall-of-Fame basketball player and kidney transplant recipient Alonzo Mourning will receive an ASN President's Medal during the opening plenary on Thursday, October 24, in recognition of his work in raising awareness about kidney diseases, as well as raising funds for kidney research and social justice programs. ASN presents this medal to individuals who have advanced the association's mission to fight against kidney diseases by educating health professionals, sharing new knowledge, advancing research, and advocating for patients.

Mr. Mourning was enjoying a stellar basketball career—having won a gold medal as part of the US team at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia—when he noticed extreme swelling in his legs and feet accompanied by uncharacteristic fatigue. He was soon diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), and genetic testing revealed that he carries the APOL1 gene variant. He missed the entire 2002–2003 National Basketball Association (NBA) season due to his kidney disease. A relative donated a kidney for a successful transplant in 2003. He not only returned to play the next year, but in 2006, he won an NBA championship as a key player for the Miami Heat.

Mr. Mourning was an active philanthropist prior to his illness. He cofounded the Mourning Family Foundation in 1997 to focus on youth development through advocacy, education, and enrichment. Since then, he has been instrumental in raising more than $50 million for various programs, including building a state-of-the-art youth center aimed at bridging gaps and strengthening communities in the urban core in the South Florida area of Overtown.

After being diagnosed with FSGS, he also turned his attention to raising money and awareness as a kidney health advocate. He began with a campaign using his nickname, establishing Zo's Fund for Life, which raised $2 million for FSGS, providing research into treatment, education, and financial relief for patients who cannot afford medication. He continues to raise awareness about the importance of becoming an organ donor. He works with the National Kidney Foundation to educate the public on the importance of early detection of kidney diseases.

Mr. Mourning has received numerous honors, including the NBA Community Assist Award, the National Urban League Outstanding Community Service Award, the National Conference for Community and Justice Silver Medallion Community Service Award, the NBA J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award, the Children's Trust Excellence Award for Public Policy, and the Florida Blue Foundation Sapphire Award. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014 after a multiyear career with the Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat, and New Jersey Nets.

Mr. Mourning graduated from Georgetown University with a degree in sociology. He is a member of the President's Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition; a member of his alma mater's board of directors; and vice president of player programs and development for the Miami Heat.

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