Hereditary Amyloidosis (hATTR)
Awareness and Early Detection
CHAPTER 8 – THINGS THAT MAKE YOU GO HMMM
Things That Make You Go, “HMM”…
🏀 What are the odds?
Back in 1973, two young men sat side by side on the bench for the University of Maryland basketball team — my brother, James “Sparky” Still, and his teammate Howard “H” White. They shared laughs, plays, and dreams on the court. But what no one could have guessed is that they also shared a genetic condition that wouldn’t show up for nearly 50 years — a disease called hATTR cardiac amyloidosis, which affects 1 out 25 African Americans.
Both men would later need heart transplants to survive.
Coincidence? Maybe. But to us, it’s more like a divine reminder — a sign that awareness can’t wait and early detection is vital.
✨ From Basketball Dreams to Building a Legacy
Howard White’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. After a brief stint in the NBA cut short by knee injuries, “H” didn’t walk away from the game. He stepped into a new arena — as a Field Representative for Nike — where he built powerful relationships with rising stars.
One of those stars was a young man named Michael Jordan.
In the mid-1980s, White helped sign Jordan to Nike, launching the now world-famous Jordan Brand. Today, White is the Vice President of Jordan Brand and founder of Believe to Achieve, a youth empowerment movement through Nike.
But his impact doesn’t stop at sneakers.
❤️ A New Mission: The Howard “H” White Center for Cardiac Amyloidosis
In 2017, White was diagnosed with ATTR Amyloidosis, a rare disease caused by a buildup of abnormal proteins in the heart. Despite treatment, his condition worsened. His only hope? A heart transplant, which he received after a long, three-and-a-half-year battle.
Now, he’s giving that second chance forward.
In partnership with the Providence Heart Institute, Howard White has launched the Howard “H” White Center for Cardiac Amyloidosis. Its mission: to detect and treat this deadly disease earlier — especially in Black communities, who are hit harder and diagnosed later due to health disparities.
And it’s not just words. Michael Jordan — his friend and brother in purpose — donated $1 million to help bring the center to life.
🧬 Why This Matters — Especially for Us
Fourteen years ago, my brother received a heart transplant — but we never knew the true cause was amyloidosis. It wasn’t until I was diagnosed in 2023 by Dr. Keith Ferdinand at Tulane Medical Center that we finally connected the dots. Sadly, his son passed away in 2020 at just 36 years old, battling both sickle cell disease and amyloidosis. Now, our younger brother is facing the same fight, in need of a new heart. This disease has touched every corner of our family — and it’s why early diagnosis and awareness matter so much.
ATTR Amyloidosis is often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. Its symptoms mirror things like high blood pressure or fatigue, especially in older adults. And if left untreated, it can become deadly fast.
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Without treatment, most patients die within 3.5 years.
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Aggressive forms can take lives in less than 6 months.
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Early detection changes everything.
But here’s the problem: too many people don’t even know the disease exists. That’s why the White Center is using AI technology to identify people at risk sooner and save lives before it’s too late.
🙏 Full Circle
Two teammates from the 1972 Terps — bonded by basketball, and now by a battle for life. One of them is my brother. The other helped build the most iconic brand in sports history.
Today, both are reminders of why we fight. Why we educate. Why Still 4 Life exists.
And if their journey makes you pause and think…
Just remember — that’s exactly the point.
Things that make you go, “HMM.”
Because sometimes, asking the question is the first step toward saving a life.