Derek Fisher leaves Utah Jazz to care for daughter

Derek Fisher of the Utah Jazz has been released from his contract so that he may focus his energy on caring for his 11-month-old daughter, Tatum Fisher, who is currently battling retinoblastoma, a form of cancer in her left eye. Tatum was diagnosed with the disease in May and since Derek and his wife, Candace, have been focusing on finding the best care for their little girl.

The NBA guard told reporters that,

Life for me outweighs the game of basketball. When it comes to decisions related to them, he said of his family, Ido what’s best.

The family was flying today to New York for another medical appointment for little Tatum but Derek says that she is doing well.

Outwardly she’s doing great. Her spirits are good.

The couple have three other children, including Tatum’s twin brother, Drew, who is checked frequently for the same type of cancer.

Source: Yahoo Sports

Comments

Wow, now that is a dedicated dad. I pray that their little girl makes it through this with flying colors.

- Angel on July 3rd, 2007

Bravo, to him for putting his family first. When it’s all said and done, money will buy you materials things but spending time with family is priceless. It’s nice to see an athlete step up to the plate and devote his time to the needs of his ill child.

- meela on July 3rd, 2007

Not many men would walk away from the 21 million dollar contract he still had with the Jazz,what a great dad.

- Rachel on July 3rd, 2007

Can’t say his family doesn’t come first. But I hope all goes well with his daughter. The best thing is that she’s in good spirits. That’s always great to hear during crucial times like the one they’re going through right now.

- FC on July 3rd, 2007

I’m praying for strength for this family and renewed health and healing for baby Tatum.

- sweetdiva on July 3rd, 2007

What a great dad–doing what he says he’ll do–put his family first. I hope and pray that Tatum will be OK.

- Michelle on July 3rd, 2007

He is not leaving the NBA. He asked to be let of out his contract with the UTAH JAZZ so he could play in a city that with hospital that could better care for his daughter. The Jazz obliged.

- lizzielui on July 3rd, 2007

Derek, I definitely know what you’re going through. I will continue to keep Tatum and your family in my prayers.

Your former classmate,
Chandra

- Chandra on July 3rd, 2007

wish fisher and his family all the best. he is always one of the best NBA players in my mind. and he is always a decent person and earns all our respect.

- cecilia on July 3rd, 2007

I WOULD JUST LIKE 2 SAY, I WAS A YOUNG MOTHER 16 YRS. OF AGE, WHEN I HEARD THOSE WORDS, YOUR DAUGHTER HAS RETINOBLASTOMA. I DIDN’T KNOW WHAT IT WAS, BUT I KNEW SOMETHING WASN’T RIGHT WITH MY CHILD’S EYE. WHEN I HELD HER UNDER ANY LIGHT, I COULD SEE A GREY MASS IN THE PUPIL OF HER EYE. THE PEDIATRICIAN KEPT TELLING ME TO WAIT, BABIES EYES TAKE TIME TO ADJUST. I DIDN’T WAIT AND TOOK HER TO SEE A OPHTHALMOLOGIST. THAT VISIT LED TO MILWAUKEE COUNTY HOSPITAL, AND A TEAM OF IO-15 OF THE BEST SPECIALISTS, THAT I AM 4EVER GRATEFUL. THEY REMOVED MY DAUGHTERS ENTIRE EYE AT 6MOS OLD, THAT WAS 36 YEARS AGO. SHE LEADS A VERY FULL AND INDEPENDENT LIFE. IT ISN’T AS RARE NOW AS IT WAS THEN,SO WHAT I’M TRYING 2 EXPRESS IS, THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY,GOD BLESS

- milltown on July 19th, 2007