The two-time NBA champion and ex-Detroit Pistons star Isiah Thomas thanks the support of the fans as a rough 2024 comes to a close, following his revelation he is battling Bell’s Palsy, just months after the death of his sister.
The 63-year-old Hall of Famer explained how he is trying to manage the condition, which causes a sudden loss of muscular control in the face and can leave the symptoms present for the rest of a person’s life.
Bell’s Palsy can strike at any age but usually happens around the age of 40 and can be treated with steroids and other medical methods. It can be caused by Herpes, which is commonly called cold sores or genital herpes, although the reason for Thomas‘ development is unknown.
Nonetheless, the one-club-man revealed his diagnosis whilst talking to Marc Jackson and made sure he thanked the people who have kept him in their thoughts and tried to make him feel better.
“I’ve gotten a lot of love from people saying, ‘Well, Isiah’s sick. What is he going through?'” Thomas said to Come And Talk 2 Me. “I haven’t really told anybody, but I’ve got Bell’s palsy. That’s why you see me like this.
“I appreciate the prayers and the love. That’s what’s happening with my mouth right now. I just wanted everyone to know that.”
Thomas later told NBA TV, “I just want to say thank you to all of you who have supported me this past month. As you know, I’ve got a little bit of Bell’s palsy. I’m dealing with it, I’m showing up. I want everybody to know I appreciate your prayers. Thank you for everything.”
Thomas loses his sister
The all-timer, who also had a successful coaching career, was also struck with grief in November with the death of his older sister in November. LaQuisha’s cause of death is unknown.
It comes seven years after Thomas lost his other sister, Chyna, in a car accident in Washington DC after the 22-year-old lost control of her car and hit a barrier in 2017 a day before the basketballer took to the court against the Chicago Bulls.
“How both yall gone? Like man make it make sense man!!! F**k,” Thomas later posted to Instagram with a photo of LaQuisha and Chyna smiling together in a garden.
