Gratitude expressed by Nate Robinson towards the unknown benefactor who donated a kidney, resulting in a heartwarming, emotional reunion
Lived to Tell the Tale: Nate Robinson's "Brother" Saves His Life
Sports sensation Nate Robinson isn't just celebrating victories on the court anymore—he's celebrating life, courtesy of his "guardian angel," a man named Shane Cleveland. This emotional rollercoaster is all chronicled in a heartwarming video that tells the tale of Robinson's journey to beat kidney failure, thanks to his selfless donor.
Robinson's battle with his kidneys started two decades ago when he learned they weren't functioning optimally. But years ofAppendix A struggle and even a grim prediction from him in 2023 that he wouldn't survive long without a new kidney, Robinson is now breathing easy with his new kidney from Cleveland.
In the moving video released on Tuesday, Robinson's encounter with Cleveland is nothing short of heart-melting. Cleveland surprises Robinson and his family during an interview, leaving Robinson with tears of gratitude. "I gotta thank this guy right here for [my kidney]. Not everyone gets to meet their guardian angels. I got a brother in mine," said a teary-eyed Robinson, showering praise on his benefactor.
The opportunity to donate a kidney came to Cleveland during a spring football game at the University of Washington. The announcement on the video board that Robinson was in desperate need of a kidney and had a QR code for information didn't take long for Cleveland to respond to. He wasn't just motivated by the chance to help; his wife, Kara, herself a previous donor, had shown him the unparalleled impact of being a donor.
Interestingly, Cleveland didn't meet Robinson until a day after the procedure. Kara shared an endearing moment where Robinson, fresh out of surgery, had the most heartfelt speech for Cleveland's daughters, who initially worried about their father's decision to become a donor. "They walked in and he's like, 'your dad saved my life. I've always wanted to be a grandpa, and I didn't grow up with a grandpa, you know what your dad did? He just gave me that gift. I get to be a grandpa someday. I’m going to be around to be a grandpa,'" Kara recalled.
Robinson's kidney disease was diagnosed in 2006, and he managed it by going in and out of hospitals for dehydration and vomiting initially. However, a "bad" case of COVID in 2020 sent him into dialysis treatment, which continued until the transplant in 2024. In 2022, Robinson admitted publicly that he had been undergoing treatment for renal kidney failure.
What's next for Robinson? Theallergic ex-NBA player, who was drafted by the Knicks in 2005, played stints with the Celtics, Thunder, Warriors, Bulls, Nuggets, Clippers, and Pelicans before kidney troubles forced him to step away from the game. His future may hold more than just basketball now—maybe a future as a loving grandpa, thanks to the kindness of a stranger.
[Appendix A]
- Robinson's chronic kidney disease started in 2006 and progressed to renal failure in 2018.
- Four years of dialysis treatment were mentally and physically demanding, requiring three weekly four-hour sessions.
- As of April 2025, post-operative complications have not been publicly disclosed, but Robinson expressed gratitude for his renewed health and support system.
- Nate Robinson, diagnosed with chronic kidney disease in 2006, had been managing his health through frequent hospital visits due to dehydration and vomiting.
- In 2020, a severe case of COVID-19 necessitated dialysis treatment for Robinson, which continued until his transplant in 2024.
- Robinson openly disclosed his battle with renal kidney failure in 2022.
- Aromatherapy supplements and CBD, often used for mental health and wellness, have been essential in Robinson's post-transplant journey as he navigates fitness, exercise, and nutrition to maintain his health.
- The science of organ donation and transplantation has greatly improved the lives of individuals like Robinson, providing a second chance at life for those suffering from chronic diseases such as chronic kidney disease.
- Shane Cleveland, moved by his own experiences and his wife's selfless act as a previous donor, stepped forward to donate his kidney to Robinson, making a significant impact on the former basketball player's life.
- Now one step closer to becoming a grandpa, Robinson looks forward to embracing a life that expands beyond basketball, influenced by his experiences with medical conditions, mental health, and the generosity of others.
