On a recent episode of Pivot’s interactive news show, TakePart Live, 2014 NBA draft honoree Isaiah Austin joined co-hosts Meghan McCain and Jacob Soboroff along with guest co-host and actor Wilson Cruz to discuss his “Dream Again” initiative to raise awareness for Marfan syndrome – a genetic disorder that affects the body’s connective tissue.
Austin was diagnosed with the disease just days before the 2014 NBA draft where he was projected as a first round draft pick. While the diagnosis has cut his NBA career short, he has focused his energy on raising awareness for this life-changing disease.
When asked about his campaign and his message for those facing adversity, Austin tells Meghan, “’Dream Again’ is just my campaign to let people know that there’s going to be obstacles in life and some doors are gonna be closed but many more are gonna open up…. So I just encourage everybody to have a positive outlook on life and to stay positive because things aren’t promised in this world and everything is a privilege basically, so that’s how you have to look at life.”
Watch the full conversation about his recent Marfan syndrome diagnosis and ceremonial NBA draft pick below.
