| NBA All-Star Forward Sean Elliott, began his basketball career at the University of Arizona, where he was the all-time leading scorer in Pac-10 Conference history, breaking the record held by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Elliott joined the San Antonio Spurs in 1989. While playing for the Spurs, he earned a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team, and proceeded to the Western Conference All-Star Team in 1992-93.
At the same time, Elliott could feel his health decline. He was often fatigued, had lost his appetite and retained water. He was traded to the Detroit Pistons for the 1993-94 season, and battling injuries and illness, hit a career low, averaging 12 points per game.
Mid-season the Pistons traded him to the Houston Rockets. However, the trade was later nullified because of Elliott's kidney condition. In the off-season, the Pistons traded him back to San Antonio.
Back with the Spurs, Elliott's career rebounded despite his failing health. After regaining his All-Star status in 1994-95, he had his best season in 1995-96, averaging 20 points per game.
Despite his performance on the court, in 1997 Sean was diagnosed with focal segmental glomerular sclerosis, a progressive kidney disorder. Determined to beat the disease, Elliott asked his doctor about treatment options. Elliott was fortunate to learn that his brother, Noel, matched the criteria for donating a kidney to him. After starting all 50 games in the Spurs' 1998-99 championship season, helping the Spurs to win their first NBA title, Elliott underwent a kidney transplant.
The transplant was a success. Elliott now feels better than ever.
In celebration of the one-year anniversary of his transplant, Elliott is leading a national education campaign to raise awareness among the nearly 16 million people in the United States at risk for kidney disease, and to encourage people diagnosed with kidney disease to learn about their treatment options. |
USA