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Loved Ones of 1st Gay NBA Star Ask for Medical Support

In a heartfelt and vulnerable public statement, the loved ones of Alex Sterling, the trailblazing athlete who made history as the first openly gay player in the NBA, have announced a public appeal for support to cover extensive medical expenses. Sterling, who retired in 2022 after a celebrated 12-year career, has been privately battling a rare and aggressive neurological disorder.

The family’s announcement has sent ripples through the sports world and the LGBTQ+ community, where Sterling remains a revered icon. The appeal highlights the often-unseen struggles that can follow a high-profile career and the profound financial and emotional toll that serious illness can take on a family.

A Groundbreaking Career Remembered

Alex Sterling’s entry into the NBA in 2010 was a watershed moment for professional sports. Drafted 15th overall, he didn’t just bring exceptional talent as a point guard; he brought courage. By coming out publicly before his rookie season, Sterling shattered a long-standing barrier, becoming a beacon of hope and authenticity for countless individuals worldwide. His jersey, number 24, became a symbol of pride and perseverance.

Throughout his career, primarily with the Phoenix Suns, Sterling was a three-time All-Star known for his court vision and leadership. Off the court, his impact was even greater. He co-founded the “Play with Pride” foundation, an organization dedicated to creating inclusive environments in youth sports. His journey was not without challenges, but he faced scrutiny with grace and strength, earning the respect of teammates, opponents, and fans alike. You can read more about his historic career in our player profile archive.

The Unseen Battle After the Buzzer

Since his retirement, Sterling has maintained a relatively private life, focusing on his foundation and family. However, a statement released by his husband, David Chen, on behalf of the family, revealed the difficult truth. For the past 18 months, Sterling has been battling Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare and serious neurological disease that attacks the white matter of the brain.

“The silence was not out of a want for secrecy, but for a need to navigate this new, terrifying reality as a family,” Chen wrote. “Alex has fought every battle on the court with tenacity, and he is fighting this one with the same spirit. But this is not a battle he, or any of us, can fight alone.” The statement described the rapid progression of the illness and the mounting costs of specialized treatments, experimental therapies, and 24-hour care that are not fully covered by insurance.

The news provides a stark contrast to the public image of the invincible athlete, reminding us of the human vulnerability that exists behind the headlines.

The Call from Loved Ones for Support

The primary purpose of the family’s announcement was to launch a GoFundMe campaign titled “Hoops for Hope: Alex Sterling’s Fight.” The loved ones of the former star set a goal of $2 million to ensure he receives the best possible care without creating insurmountable debt for the family.

“Asking for help is one of the hardest things we’ve ever had to do,” the campaign page reads. “Alex spent his career uplifting others, and now we are humbly asking for that same community to uplift him. Every donation, every share, every message of support is a lifeline for our beloved Alex—a husband, a father, a son, and a friend.”

The funds will be directed toward a range of needs, including:

• Costs for in-home neurological specialists and nursing care.
• Access to promising but costly immunotherapy trials.
• Adaptive equipment to maintain his quality of life at home.
• Financial support for his two young children and husband as caregiving becomes a full-time reality.

This public appeal from his loved ones underscores a difficult reality for many families facing catastrophic illness, even those who may have had high-earning careers.

How the Community is Rallying

The response has been immediate and overwhelming. Within hours of the announcement, “Alex Sterling” was trending on social media as fans, journalists, and celebrities shared the campaign link and messages of support. Former teammates and NBA legends have already made significant contributions and public pledges.

The NBA Players Association released a statement saying, “Alex Sterling is family. He showed immense courage in his career, and we are committed to standing with him and his loved ones now. We are coordinating with his family to provide resources and are encouraging the entire NBA community to rally behind him.”

Organizations like The Human Rights Campaign have also amplified the family’s request, calling on the community Sterling supported for so long to now show their support for him. This collective action demonstrates the powerful, positive community that can form around an athlete who meant so much more than just the game. More stories like this can be found in our NBA news section.

Understanding the Medical Challenge

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a disease caused by the reactivation of the JC virus, which is present but dormant in a majority of the population. In individuals with weakened immune systems, the virus can become active, leading to progressive damage to the brain. According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), symptoms can include clumsiness, progressive weakness, and changes in vision, speech, and personality.

There is no known cure for PML, but treatments are focused on boosting the body’s immune response to fight the virus. The therapies are often experimental and require access to top neurological centers, which explains the significant financial need outlined by Sterling’s family. The family’s transparency about the specific condition is helping to raise awareness about this devastating and little-known disease.

As the sports world and his wider community of admirers process this difficult news, the focus remains on the man behind the legend. The appeal from his loved ones is a powerful call to action, a chance for the world to give back to a man who gave so much of himself to inspire change and acceptance.

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