Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Derek Fisher and Family

 Updated 3/2017-- photos and all links (except to my own posts) removed as many no longer active.

Derek Fisher was born in Little Rock, AR, August 9, 1974. He graduated from Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School in Little Rock, AR in 1992. He attended and played basketball for University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He was selected 24th overall in the 1996 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers and spent eight seasons with them, including three consecutive NBA championships (1999-00, 2000-01, and 2001-02). Recently in the news for a very different reason: his 11-month old daughter Tatum has been diagnosised with retinoblastoma in her left eye. Yesterday he was released from his contract with the Utah Jazz so he and his family could concentrate on finding the best care for Tatum. "Life for me outweighs the game of basketball." said Fisher. I'd like to wish him and his family my prayers, one Arkansan to another.


For more information on retinoblastoma:
Retinoblastoma is a rare type of eye cancer that develops in the retina, the part of the eye that detects light and color. It usually develops in young children, though it can occur at any age.
Most cases of retinoblastoma occur in only one eye, but both eyes can be affected. The most common sign of this disorder is a visible whiteness in the normally black pupil (the opening through which light enters the eye). This unusual whiteness is particularly noticeable in photographs taken with a flash, and is called "cat's eye reflex" or leukocoria. Other signs and symptoms of retinoblastoma include crossed eyes or eyes that do not point in the same direction (strabismus); persistent eye pain, redness, or irritation; and blindness or poor vision in the affected eye.

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