FILE – In this Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019 file photo, Minnesota Timberwolves’ Karl-Anthony Towns plays against the Memphis Grizzlies in an NBA basketball game in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone, File)
NBA star Karl-Anthony Towns revealed that his mother is in a medically induced coma after being diagnosed with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
The Minnesota Timberwolves center shared his mother’s plight in an emotional video on Instagram Wednesday.
Towns said his mother’s health was “deteriorating daily” and that she had to be “put on a ventilator” after having trouble breathing.
The 24-year-old Towns, one of the best big men in the NBA today, remains steadfast amid the trying times.
“We’re gonna keep fighting. My family, we’re gonna keep fighting this. We’re gonna beat it. We’re gonna win,” he said. “I hope my story helps. I hope my story gives you the correct information. Send my love to all your families. Praying for every single one of you.”
“Life may keep throwing punches at me but I’m gonna keep getting back up and I ain’t going to quit at any time and neither will my family and my mother. My mother is the strongest woman I know and I know she’ll beat this.”
Towns also reminded everyone to take the necessary precautions to help prevent further transmission of the virus.
“It’s rough and day by day I’m just seeing how it goes. I’m being positive, I’m being very positive so I’m just keeping my strength up for everybody, my family,” he said. “I made this video so that people would understand the severity of this disease. It’s real. This disease needs not be taken lightly.”
“Please protect your family, your loved ones, friends, yourself. Practice social distancing. Please don’t be in places with a lot of people.”
Last week, Towns announced he’s donating $100,000 to Minnesota-based Mayo Clinic for COVID-19 testing.