“Family first.” That’s the rule Udonis Haslem lived by. Years ago, the 3x NBA champ had a shot at a big-money deal with the Dallas Mavericks, but he turned it down without hesitation. His mother was battling cancer, and there was no way he was leaving her side. “I couldn’t just leave her,” Haslem once said. Instead, he took a lesser deal with the Miami Heat to stay close. Sadly, she passed away soon after, but her fight sparked something in him—a lifelong commitment to raising awareness about the disease.

“Cancer has challenged my family and myself multiple times. Cancer took my father, cancer took my mother, and took my stepmother. So this fight, this cause, is very, very personal to me,” he recently shared while promoting the Bounce Back from Cancer™ initiative. The former Heat captain has teamed up with Baptist Health’s Miami Cancer Institute to lead the charge in their HEAT. HELP. CURE. campaign. The big day? March 15, 2025.

But before all the heavy lifting begins, Haslem took a brief timeout. Courtside at the Unrivaled 3vs3 league, he soaked in the action as WNBA stars put on a show. He even shared a clip on his Instagram Story, capturing the intensity of the game. Based on the jerseys, it looked like Mist vs. Laces, with Laces pulling off a 76-69 win.

It’s a well-earned break for Haslem, who’s gearing up for an emotional week. The Bounce Back from Cancer™ event hits close to home—his mother, Debra, was diagnosed in 2009 and passed away in 2010, just as they had reconnected. His stepmother, Wooten, also lost her battle with lung cancer. These personal losses continue to fuel his mission.

But Haslem isn’t just about remembering the past—he’s fighting for the future. “No matter how tough it gets, we’re fighting for you and we’re fighting with you. There will be a cure someday. I believe that truly in my heart and in my soul,” he said. “All you need is just a little bit of hope.” And that’s exactly what he’s giving.

Udonis Haslem is rallying Miami for the cause

Once again, Bounce Back from Cancer™ is bringing Miami together for a powerful cause. The event, a partnership between Baptist Health Foundation and the Miami Heat, will see participants dribble or walk on March 15, 2025, all in an effort to raise $5 millionfor the Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute.

Leading the charge once again is none other than,Udonis Haslem. A Miami native and Heat legend, Haslem will be on the front lines, rallying participants at The Underline before taking the celebration to Kaseya Center. His presence has become a staple of the event, and he’s making sure this year is bigger than ever.

“This initiative means a lot to me,” Haslem shared. “It’s given me hope that we can make an impact against this devastating disease that’s affected several members of my family. And the fact that it brings together so many people from all walks of life to raise funds for research by dribbling a basketball—that makes it truly special.”

Over the years, Bounce Back from Cancer™ has grown into something bigger than just a charity event. Now in its sixth year, it’s become a true Miami tradition, raising over $10.5 million since 2018 for research and clinical trials. Just last year, it brought in $4 million, with nearly 1,800 registered participants and the backing of 7,000 donors. The numbers tell the story—Miami shows up when it matters most.