New York, Nov 10 (THAINDIAN NEWS) The basketball legend Kareem Abdul Jabbar has been sadly diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, which is known as chronic myeloid leukemia. He has gone public with the diagnosis in a bid to raise more awareness and funds for cancer research.

“I’ve never been a person to share my private life, but I can help save lives,” the 62 year old Abdul-Jabbar, said, inspired by the impact Magic Johnson has had on AIDS. “It’s incumbent on someone like me to talk about this.”

“You have a very good chance to live your life out and not have to make any drastic changes to your lifestyle,” Abdul-Jabbar quoted his doctor as saying.

His medical ordeal began last year when he felt queer. He went to the doctor who prescribed tests and then gave this diagnosis. Right now he is on oral medicines and his doctors have told him that his cancer is curable with proper medication and constant periodic monitoring.

After an exam showed his white blood cell count was “sky high,” a doctor diagnosed his condition as leukemia, which made Abdul-Jabbar shell-shocked.

“I was scared,” he said. “I thought it was all the same. I thought it could mean I have a month to live. I was getting hot flashes and sweats on a regular basis,” Abdul-Jabbar said. “That’s not normal, even for my age.”

“I’m able to sneak out for Thai food,” he said. “There is hope. This condition can be treated. You can still live a productive, full life…I’m living proof I can make it.”