“I know I can’t help you and I ain’t no doctor,” Udonis Haslem admitted. It was difficult to watch his parents succumb to cancer. He was heartbroken when Alonzo Mourning was diagnosed with prostate cancer. And he was even more upset when his former teammate and best brother Dwyane Wade hid his cancer diagnosis and surgery from him. Both have been cured but Haslem continues to step up for millions of other victims.
The Heat legend is back again with the Bounce Back from CancerTM this year which was formed as a collaboration between Baptist Health Foundation and the Miami Heat. The Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute works to help raise funds for the research and clinical trials at the institute. Calling out all the community members to walk or dribble on March 15, 2025, the goal is to raise $5 million for the cause.
As a brand ambassador, Haslem led the dribblers from The Underline to the Kaseya Center. This was 2 miles. Dribblers can choose to take courses of 14.2 miles from Miami Cancer Institute as well as six miles from Coconut Grove to the Kaseya Center. Those who complete 14.2 miles will receive a basketball autographed by Haslem.
Haslem shared, “This initiative means a lot to me. 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.”
The 2025 event has three fundraising levels such as MVPs ($50,000), Champions ($25,000), and All Stars ($2,500). The Hall of Famer contributors who have collectively raised 60% of the fund were eligible to receive signed jerseys and more. Last year, the event made $4 million. Former Heat star Mourning is also part of the initiative. This special event was a big success as the Heat legend shared on his IG.
Jan 14, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Former Miami Heat player Dwayne Wade reacts after learning a statue will be erected outside of Kaseya Center in 2025, during a special ceremony during halftime of the game between the Miami Heat and the Charlotte Hornets. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
“Today, #BounceBackFromCancer was a huge success—bringing together survivors, loved ones, medical professionals, sponsors, and our community in a powerful basketball dribble through Miami,” Mourning wrote.
Speaking of Mourning, Haslem recalled how he immediately called the legend after he found out about the diagnosis. He said he would have done the same for Wade. And he did even though he was a bit late.
Udonis Haslem reminded Dwyane Wade of Brother’s code
Dwyane Wade shocked the entire NBA world when he shared his kidney cancer diagnosis. This was way back at the end of 2023. Wade revealed that doctors found a questionable mass in his kidney during a body checkup. To avoid any issues in the future, Wade underwent surgery to remove 40% of his kidney. It was a massive surgery. Much like others, Haslem was also kept in the dark about this.
During his appearance on the Out The Mud podcast, he shared that he immediately called Wade to check on him. “You start reading what he was really going on I call that n—- I say man don’t never let me read no s— like that in the paper no more man…I know I can’t help you and I ain’t no doctor….I can pray I can pray with you I could cry with you like I could go whatever I could do man it’s a real brotherhood,” the Miami Heat legend Haslem said.
The Flash later apologized to his brother. The reason that Wade hid it from everyone was that he didn’t want to talk to people about “negative.” He shared how it was even difficult to have his family watch him during this tough time. However, he realized how he should have shared it with Haslem. This is the brotherhood code they share and it includes always standing up for each other when needed.
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