It was incredibly sad news when it was revealed sideline reporter Craig Sager was given 3-6 months to live following the announcement his cancer was no longer in remission. The NBA and its fans have worked together in order to support the 64-year-old, as sideline reporters donned flashy attire in solidarity and pins featuring Gregg Popovich and Sager were sold to benefit Leukemia research. Now, Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard is getting in on the action, organizing a blood drive in honor of Sager.
https://twitter.com/HoustonRockets/status/719620706871291904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Howard is working with his charity, the D12 Foundation, to hold a blood drive Wednesday at the Toyota Center. Those who donate blood will receive a T-shirt featuring an illustration of Howard and Sager with the hashtag #SagerStrong.
Howard told ESPN that Sager is a close friend and he wants to help him during his battle.
“I know a lot of people deal with a lot of different types of cancers and leukemia,” Howard said. “Craig is a close friend of mine, family. He’s part of the NBA family. You hate to see anybody who is a part of you go through anything. I just want to do whatever I can to help.”
The 30-year-old said he wanted to find a way to help Sager and his other friends who are battling cancer.
“I’ve lost family members, [and] one of my closest friends is battling breast cancer, right now,” Howard said. “Just a lot of different things going on that I just try to find ways to help.”
Howard sometimes receives criticism for his behavior on and off the court, but in this case, he’s doing an incredible thing by organizing an important event to raise awareness for donating blood in honor of Sager. It’s a truly classy move from him. Hopefully, fans come out in spades to the Toyota Center to donate blood.
[ESPN]
