Former Laker Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Launch Blood Cancer Research Fund

Image: NYDailyNews

During the halftime show of the LA Lakers vs. New Orleans Hornets game in Los Angeles, former NBA basketball star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar launched a fundraising campaign for blood cancer research.

Having been diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in 2008, Abdul-Jabbar took center stage for the cause by encouraging fans to take part in the Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Skyhook Challenge. During the evening’s halftime show, Abdul-Jabbar started the countdown to raising $38,387 for the cause to match his career record points.

Basketball fans, and anyone who wanted to show their support, could take part in the Skyhook Challenge on their cell phones by texting KAJ to 72645, or online. They then were prompted with a series of questions about the disease, Abdul-Jabbar’s career and the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. According to The Beverly Hills Chronicle, every correct answer registered as one point, and as soon as 38,387 questions were answered correctly, pharmaceutical maker Novartis matched that dollar amount and donated it to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. The money will help support both research and patient services.

According to the fundraising website, that goal has already been exceeded, with a current reading of points earned so far of 47,158.

To show your support online, you can visit skyhookchallenge.com or donate directly to lls.org/skyhookchallenge.

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