On Sunday, I got to spend some time with Utah Jazz forward Carlos Boozer and his family at his mansion in Miami. We were doing a follow up on a story we did in October on Boozer’s 18-month old son, Carmani, who has sickle cell. Carlos and his wife CeCe also have twin boys Cameron and Cayden.

If you are interested, you can read the full story HERE

Carlos Boozer holds his son Cayden on his back deck overlooking Biscayne Bay.

With Biscayne Bay in the background, Carlos Boozer holds his sons Carmani, left, and Cayden. “We try to win basketball games to the fullest, but at the end of the day, if your family is doing well and everyone is healthy, what more can you ask for,” he says. “You never know what can happen to your family, and they are the most important thing.”

Carmani is well on the way to recovery from sickle cell disease, an inherited disorder that makes red blood cells abnormal shaped. Consequently, the cells have a hard time passing through small blood vessels and can cause pain, blood clots, anemia and even death.

“It has been a long road,” CeCe says. “Being home alone wasn’t easy and as long as the next appointments go good we’ll all be together. At least now we’re hopeful. The nights are hard, because when the kids go to sleep, that is when you feel very lonely.”

Carlos Boozer is surrounded by memorabilia in his guest house in Miami. The lavish rooms above his garage are adorned with all his career souvenirs, everything from a piece of his old high school gym floor to his 2004 Olympic bronze medal.
“I like to keep basketball away from us,” he says, explaining why his main house is devoid of basketball mementos. “Over there, that is just us.”

Carlos Boozer holds his son Cameron.

Carlos Boozer gets into his Bentley at his home in Miami. “The money, cars, private planes, all of that is great, it’s crazy,” he says. “But when it comes down to it, nothing beats having your family together and healthy. Having that makes this Christmas the best ever.”

*Photo by Carlos Boozer*