Boozer hosting Alaska camp to help fight sickle cell disease

JUNEAU, Alaska — NBA all-star Carlos Boozer of the Utah Jazz is planning to host a basketball camp in his Alaska hometown to raise money for the treatment of sickle cell disease.

Boozer, who grew up in Juneau, will be back in town for the camp, which is scheduled Aug. 3-7 at Juneau-Douglas High School, his alma mater.

"I went all the way from Juneau to where I am today," said Boozer, a three-time Alaska state player of the year. "I'm a living testament that if you really do put your mind into basketball, or any other thing that you do, you can make it, 'cause I did. I want to be able to give back to the kids."

The camp is open to children between the ages 7 and 17.

Proceeds from the $150 fee will go to the Boozer's Buddies Foundation, which supports families affected by sickle cell disease and funds research and treatment.

Boozer created the foundation after his son, Carmani, was diagnosed with the blood disorder.

Boozer said the 3-year-old boy was cured after a successful bone marrow transplant. Such operations can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

"My whole goal is to raise money for those families that can't afford the procedure, the medicines and some of the help that they need to help their kids with sickle cell," he said. "That's what my foundation is based around."