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Since his successful kidney transplant two years ago, the courageous athlete has returned to the court while dedicating himself to creating positive, lasting changes in communities, and using his voice to raise awareness about chronic kidney disease.

“At one point basketball was not the focus, it was living and being healthy. Now that I’m able to play again, I truly look at it as a blessing,” the 35-year-old Mourning told JET.

“It was a second opportunity God had given me and I took advantage of it because I knew he wouldn’t have put that opportunity in my life if he didn’t want me to do something with it. I knew that this opportunity came along for a reason and not only was I going to help myself but I was going to try to help others in the process.”

Mourning’s triumph is a rare one: He is only the second NBA player to play with a transplanted kidney, joining former Spurs forward Scan Elliott. After being diagnosed with focal glomerulosclerosis, a rare kidney disease, in 2000, the 6-foot-10 Mourning was often sidelined. His condition worsened to the point where he needed transplant surgery, forcing him to make a heartbreaking retirement from the NBA.

The four-time All-Star took time to focus on his health and underwent a successful kidney transplant in December 2003. He made an inspiring return in the 2004 season with the New Jersey Nets and later moved to the Miami Heat where he ended the season averaging 10.4 points and 7.1 rebounds.

Though a championship title would have cued the tears for a storybook ending, the Heat fell one game short of going to the NBA Finals.

“My comeback was based on two things: winning a championship and motivating and helping with organ transplantation and those who are on dialysis. I think that by me overcoming the physical obstacles, it will help those who’ve had to go through the same thing I had to go through.

“I got letters and e-mails and spoke to people that were inspired by just me being out there on the court; that meant a lot to me. So in return I just want to donate my efforts out there on the court to them. Unfortunately we came up a little short this year, from a basketball standpoint. But I think the true importance of me being out there is to have a positive effect on other people’s lives and we were able to do that. That’s even more valuable than winning a championship.”

Mourning, who has not decided if he will retire this season, has long maintained that success is far more than stellar statistics on the basketball court. It’s also about bringing this same level of energy and enthusiasm to helping those around him. As a result of his efforts, countless lives have been improved.

A champion at heart, Mourning is the driving force behind Zo’s Fund for Life, a foundation that supports research, education and financial relief to patients with kidney disorders.

He also hosts the star-studded annual fundraiser in Miami, Zo’s Summer Groove, which is a lavish banquet, concert and celebrity basketball game that benefits local charities such as the Children’s Home Society of Florida, 100 Black Men of South Florida and the Overtown Youth Center among many others.

“The more funds we raise, the more lives I’m able to change,” Mourning assured. “Over the past 9 years we’ve raised over $5 million. I’m excited to have had the opportunity to support some organizations that changed the lives of young people. That alone makes the time that I spend worthwhile. That motivates me to continue to do this on a regular basis. Giving changes lives and it’s not always about giving material things and money, it’s about putting forth time and effort to change other people’s lives.”

His wife Tracy and two kids Trey and Myka are the glimmers in his eyes that help him stay optimistic about his health.

“I knew if I stayed positive and didn’t give in to the disease, my body would eventually follow my mind. At first I was kind of down on myself, but one thing I didn’t do was give up on myself. If I would have given up, this disease would have taken me over … I would probably be hooked up to a dialysis machine somewhere,” Mourning said.

“God is using me. I think for me going through this whole ordeal, it’s just having a positive effect on other people’s lives. I’m not going to waste this opportunity. Doing what I do on the court, I’m going to try and open my mouth at the certain times I can and provide direction, because I’ve gone through this situation for a reason. If I can share this with somebody and help just one or two people change their approach in the way they live, if they’re going through diabetes, hypertension, or going through transplantation, if I can do that, then I served my purpose on this earth.”

Mourning has been helping patients throughout the country as part of Rebound from Anemia, a national program designed to raise awareness of anemia, an important and often overlooked symptom of chronic kidney disease. “It was very important to me to send this message because I was a victim of this particular disorder. I’m a living example that there is life after transplantation. A lot of people just give up and lose hope and think it’s the end of the world if they have to have a transplant. There is life; it’s just a matter of how you approach it mentally.”