Usually a story that happened seven years ago would not get much attention, but this story is an example of human kindness at its best, and the only reason it was not covered previously is because of the players desire to keep it quiet.
Former Los Angeles Clippers players Corey Maggette, Marko Jaric, Chris Kaman, and Elton Brand, paid for their then assistant coach Kim Hughes’ approximate $70,000 surgery for prostate cancer in 2004.
Hughes’ doctor wanted to do the surgery a few months after the diagnosis in September 2004 but Hughes wanted the surgery sooner because of the team’s schedule. The Clippers coach at the time, Mike Dunleavy, referred Hughes to another doctor for a second opinion and the physician told him he could do the surgery in a week.
Unfortunately, the physician was not under Hughes’ insurance plan, so if he chose to go with the new doctor he would have to pay for the surgery himself. Hughes’ agent apparently contacted the Clippers management about the issue with his medical coverage, but was informed that they would not cover the surgery for fear of having to do the same for others should the need arise.
Dunleavy told the players about Hughes’ situation and they took action with no hesitation. Hughes’ cancer was aggressive and if it were not for the surgery, he likely would not have survived. Hughes is crediting Maggette, Jaric, Kaman and Brand for saving his life.
The players felt that paying for the surgery was the right thing to do and did not do it for self-serving purposes. Their generosity truly gives new meaning to team effort.
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