ALONZO MOURNING

Alonzo Mourning is one of the most celebrated “All-Star” athletes, both on and off the basketball court. Mourning established himself as an instant star in professional basketball when he joined the Charlotte Hornets in 1992. Mourning was named Defensive Player of the Year twice (1999, 2000) and is only the fifth player to win the award in consecutive seasons. After winning a gold medal in basketball as a member of the U.S. team at the 2000 Olympic games in Sydney, Australia, Mourning was diagnosed with focal glomerulosclerosis, a rare kidney disease. After taking time to focus on his health, Mourning underwent a successful kidney transplant in December 2003. In 2004, he returned to basketball playing with the New Jersey Nets and later moved on to join the Miami Heat where he currently plays center.

For Mourning, though, success means far more than stellar statistics on a basketball court – it’s also about bringing this same level of energy and enthusiasm to helping those around him. Alonzo has dedicated himself to creating positive, lasting changes in the communities around him, using his voice to speak for those who cannot be heard on their own. As a direct result of his efforts, countless lives have been improved.

Over the past four years, Mourning has been working with Ortho Biotech Products, L.P. to launch Rebound from Anemia, a national program designed to raise awareness of anemia, an important and often overlooked symptom of chronic kidney disease. Through Rebound from Anemia, Mourning encourages patients with chronic kidney disease to take steps to talk to their doctor and live healthier, more active lives.

Alonzo personally started, led and is the driving force behind Zo’s Fund for Life, a foundation that supports research, education and financial relief to patients with kidney disorders. Other activities include hosting “Zo's Summer Groove,” an annual charity banquet, concert and celebrity basketball game to benefit the Children's Home Society, 100 Black Men of South Florida and the Overtown Youth Center.

Mourning has been recognized for his outstanding, off the court, charitable efforts. In 2001, he was the recipient of USA Weekend Magazine’s 9th annual “Most Caring Athlete Award,” and the Family Counseling Services of Greater Miami recognized his family as the 2001 “Family of the Year.” In 2002, Mourning was named the winner of basketball’s J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award for his exemplary community service. Recently, Alonzo made headlines when he donated his Miami Heat salary for this season to charities that serve Miami’s underprivileged youth and aid people with kidney disease.

Mourning and his wife Tracy have two children: a son, Alonzo III, and daughter Myka Sydney. Mourning is one of 49 children raised by foster parent Fanny Threet.

Alonzo Mourning is a consultant for Ortho Biotech Products, L.P.