Alonzo Mourning’s Powerful Legacy Celebrated in D.C. as He Opens Up About Kidney Battle

Some may know him as the fearless shot-blocker, some may know him as the NBA champion, others might know him as Olympic gold medalist. But what if I told you Alonzo Mourning’s greatest legacy may not be what he did on the court, but what he’s doing off of it? Behind the stats and slam dunks lies a story of resilience, purpose, and personal mission to change lives. It is something that was celebrated with a national award this weekend.

In recent years, Alonzo Mourning has become more than just a basketball legend. He has taken a life-altering diagnosis and turned it into a powerful platform for advocacy. It’s not every day that an athlete transforms personal hardship into community service. Alonzo Mourning has made this his mission, and the world is taking notice.

This past week, at the 2025 National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) Leadership Summit on Health Disparities in Washington, D.C., Alonzo Mourning was honored with the esteemed Booker T. Washington Award. This prestigious award is named after the pioneering African American educator and civil rights advocate, Booker T. Washington. It celebrates individuals who embody Booker T. Washington’s enduring legacy, those who work to eliminate health disparities and promote equity. Alonzo Mourning, deeply moved, took to social media to share: “I was honored to receive the Booker T. Washington Award at the 2025 National Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., this past week. Sharing my journey with APOL1-mediated kidney disease (AMKD) is something I am incredibly passionate about, and I’m grateful to organizations like NMQF who are dedicated to advancing minority health and uplifting our communities.”

What makes this recognition so meaningful is the story behind it. Mourning’s battle began in 2000, during the peak of his basketball career. He recalls the moment clearly: feeling sluggish and swollen during the Sydney Olympics, but he used to brush it off as training fatigue. “When I first learned of my diagnosis in 2000, I was terrified,” he later said. “Mostly because I knew nothing about this disease or what might happen to me.” Eventually diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS),a form of APOL1-mediated kidney disease (AMKD) that disproportionately affects people of African ancestry, Mourning received a kidney transplant in 2003 and courageously returned to the NBA.

But Alonzo didn’t stop with his recovery. He leaned towards advocacy and towards raising awareness of this lesser-known disease. Today, he runs Zo’s Fund for Life and partners with organizations like the American Kidney Fund and Vertex Pharmaceuticals to champion kidney disease awareness, especially in underserved communities. His campaign, Power Forward Together, is an outreach initiative designed to educate and empower others to take control of their kidney health. “Knowledge is power,” Mourning emphasizes, “and once I learned more about FSGS, I felt more confident about facing my condition.”

Power Forward: Mourning’s Mission to Raise Awareness and Uplift Lives

Through PowerForwardTogether.com, Mourning has created a space for education, empowerment, and community action. The site encourages individuals, particularly those from high-risk populations, to get screened, learn their family history, and understand the genetic components of AMKD. His voice gives urgency to a disease that often goes unnoticed until it’s too late.

“Genetic kidney disease is a silent epidemic in the Black community, and we need to act urgently,” Mourning says, pointing out how early detection can change and save lives. He shares his own experience as proof that, with awareness and the right support, anyone can bounce back. His story is a testament to what’s possible when awareness meets action. Alonzo made sure everyone had the resources and knowledge to tackle this lesser-known, life-threatening disease.

Alonzo Mourning also points to inequities in the society in access to care. From limited specialist availability to financial barriers, many in underserved communities face significant challenges. That’s why he keeps fighting for broader systemic change, so others don’t have to fight alone. With his NBA stature, Alonzo has been the awareness ambassador for AMKD and he continues to do so.

As a whole, this is a story of action rather than just a comeback tale. Alonzo Mourning turned his personal health crisis into a national movement for kidney health equity. And in doing so, he is showing that true champions don’t just win games; they change the game altogether.

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