Recently, Dwyane Wade, the legendary NBA superstar, shared news of a very personal decision that contributed to his health journey. In doing so, he shared with all of us who he wanted by his side during a huge moment in his life. When Wade was 43, he had a health scare that changed his life. After a routine exam due to his dad’s fight with prostate cancer, he discovered he had a large Stage 1 cancerous tumor on his right kidney. Confronted with his own weakness, he went to the extreme. When he went into surgery in December 2023, he was able to have his father, Dwyane Wade Sr., with him for that surgery.
Wade expressed that he wanted his wife, actress Gabrielle Union, to be the first person he saw upon waking up. What he did not enjoy was the conviction that his father needed to be in the OR for the surgery itself. As Wade thought about who he would want to be there with him during his most vulnerable moments. Through it all, he underlined the importance of family support at times of adversity.
As a military veteran, Dwyane Wade Sr. has had a strong, guiding force on Wade’s life. Through all of this, the elder Wade made sure to teach discipline and a strong work ethic to his son. Every time Wade needed direction, he remained firmly at Wade’s side. Harnessing his obsession with competition, he fanned Wade’s hunger for the game as they grew up in crafty Chicago.
He’s the truth, man, to me. He always was,” Wade said, alluding to that lifelong connection. It’s nuts because y’all know I’m a mama’s boy— all that stuff— but my pops has always been there. It’s an indication of the deep bond that exists between father and son, especially as they both face their respective health hurdles head on.
His choice to have his father with him was made after many discussions about the toll that the public health fight will take on their wellbeing. Dwyane Wade said that his father’s experience with prostate cancer was one factor in bringing the two closer together. “My dad shared with me when he was going through prostate cancer, and I think we got closer through that process because I (was) obviously concerned about him,” he explained. This focus on their health made folks feel comfortable to share personal stories and experiences in a more relatable way.
Wade remembered one scene in particular where he comedically informs his dad that he just got a prostate exam. He described the experience of calling his father immediately upon leaving the hospital. “Yo, I just got a prostate exam, Pops! Doctor did this,” he said and his dad cracked up, saying “Aww hell nah that’s crazy! She just wanted to do this.” Even everyday interactions depict the deep connection they share. They share how each of them approaches the unique challenges that their chronic illnesses have created for them.
When reflecting on their father-son relationship, Wade shared that having his father’s unconditional love has meant everything to him. “My dad was the most amazing father, and he was present,” he said. This recognition serves to highlight the strong values instilled by Dwyane Wade Sr. It talks about the value of personal responsibility and hard work.
Wade remembered, “My dad was the first one up every morning at 5 a.m. I had to get up before him to press his uniform before he went to work. These formative lessons would guide Wade to become a star on the court and philanthropist in the community, as we know him to be today.
Through the complex process of becoming his authentic self, the emotional support from Wade’s family has been a godsend. He made the trip to the hospital alongside Dwyane Wade Sr. and Gabrielle Union. Their presence underscored just how important it is to have friends and family at your side during life’s most pivotal moments.