“I’m trying to accomplish a lot of things, and I’m trying to be there for a lot of people as the leader of my family. Our slogan is ‘Built to Last’, and I would not be ‘Built to Last’ if I don’t take care of me first. So I make sure that’s what I do every day.” Back in July 2023, Dwyane Wade opened up about keeping his post-retirement body in check. It was same the year when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame. But the year ended with him feeling at his “weakest point.”

The Heat legend added a post two days ago, where he confirmed his health scare from 2023. Stage 1 kidney cancer where 40% of his kidney had to be removed as it was the only way to check if it was cancerous.

Ultimately, it turned out to be dangerous, which is why Dwyane Wade opting for surgery was a blessing. But initially, he also admitted to missing his physical post-retirement. However, one day he only went in for a full-body scan, which revealed the great danger.

Last year, when this news was public, the 41-year-old hinted at another surgery that he will require sooner rather than later. On his podcast, in February, the 3x NBA Champion stated, “I don’t get on the court no more. These knees ain’t letting me be great.” The same knee issues that had persisted since his Marquette days. Interestingly, when he entered the league, the doctor already advised him about the same.

They suggested that in 5 years’ time, the knee issues would pop up. The condition stayed with him throughout his entire 16-year career. “Knee replacement is loading; it just depends on at what point in my life I want to get it done.”

As stated before, this was in February last year, a mere two months after kidney surgery. The same took a toll on him mentally, but he was glad the family was right there to support him.

Dwyane Wade’s family gave him strength when he was feeling vulnerable

On his Instagram, he shared the snippet from his podcast. “One thing you never want to do as a man is [for] your family to see you weak. It’s tough… In that process of my weakness, I found strength in my family, in my friends, in my group.” 

Wade admitted to feeling weak, which he never wanted his family to see. But because of their love, he realized at that moment that he “had to.” But his wife views the entire episode differently.

“Scary scary time for D and our family. I’m glad he was able to tell his story in HIS time in his own way. And NEVER weak. Ever,” Gabrielle Union wrote on Instagram story. Signifying that her husband was not weak and was a fighter through and through. Similarly, their eldest made sure to send love. Zaire Wade, added, “love you.” on the IG post from Dwyane Wade.

Apart from the surgery, the years 2023 and 2024 have been about celebrating The Flash and his legacy. First the Hall of Fame induction, then jersey retirement, and the ultimate honor a few months ago. As Dwyane Wade became the first Heat player in their franchise’s history to receive a statue.

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