Dwight Howard’s care is not hidden from the world. Back in 2009, the league honored Dwight Howard with the NBA Cares Community Assist Award for his outstanding efforts in the community. Through “Dwight Howard’s Big Change for Kids” program, the former NBA champion provided an initial $30,000 to fund the new room at the Florida Hospital for Children in Orlando. Even in 2022, he helped to raise over three million in New Taiwan dollars. But his recent gesture hits closer to home because it involves his close associate’s father.

“Just to see you pops and happy belated birthday man. Couldn’t see you on your birthday, but had to pull up personally.” Dwight Howard was in conversation with his podcast’s co-host’s father, who turned 64 earlier this year. Even he appreciated that DH-12 came over to meet him in person; “Good to see you, man.”

At the time, Dwight Howard was on vacation, that’s why he couldn’t visit. But after coming back from his trip, the former Magic star was by his close associate’s side. The man in focus is the father of MU Abdul aka Mu Real, who is part of the podcast crew of the 3x DPOY, and his journey has not been easy.

At the age of 62, he would go into a coma because of the same kidney issue at the Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. As a 23 year- kidney disease survivor, he has had over 53 ER visits and nine near-de-th experiences in that period. But all through that period, he fought back to fulfill his son’s wish to see him graduate and this year, he celebrated his 64th birthday.

A few weeks ago, he shared a heartfelt birthday wish for his father. “My prayers have been answered Alhamdulillah 🤲🏾 So grateful to be able to celebrate my father’s birthday another year. 64 year soldier♑️🎈 25 year #kidneydisease #survivor 💪🏾I hurt when he hurt 🥲Wouldn’t be no me if it wasn’t for him 💯 #happybirthdaydad #godstiming.”

Mu Real has continued his growth in that time and has more roles other than his podcasting duties.

More about Dwight Howard’s associate new role

Apart from being part of the podcast setup, last year he joined The Asian Tournament in a professional capacity. The same tournament where 3x DPOY has a team. On his Instagram, he updated about his new role as the Co-Director of Marketing/Player outreach. As per the post, he was the brains behind the successful recruiting of three former NBA stars in the league.

“Being apart of The TAT is an opportunity I am blessed to have been presented with. Being able to bring the world together through basketball 🏀 & have legendary talent leave an impact on fans globally 🌏is an unmatched feeling.”

Mu Real updated fans about his new responsibility and stated it’s more than basketball. He wanted to help communities and do philanthropic work to leave a positive impact on society.

His positive impact on the league could already be felt. As per the post, he helped in securing talents like 2x NBA Champion, Quinn Cook, 4x NBA All-Star, DeMarcus Cousins, and Dwight Howard. However, previously, it was the 3x DPOY who was proudly doing the recruitment for the league.

Leaving that professional work aside, Howard truly showed up for his friend to celebrate his father’s birthday. Even though the upcoming year is about to be his Hall of Fame year, after receiving the nomination, DH-12 made sure to stand by his friends and their families.