Prayers Up! Shaquille O’Neal’s Son Shares An Update Following Open Heart Surgery

hareef O'Neal (C) poses with his parents Shaquille O'Neal (L) and Shaunie O'Nea

photo credit: Cassy Athena / Getty Images

Prayers up!

A year ago, Shaquille and Shaunie O’Neal’s son, Shareef, had to undergo open heart surgery. The 20-year-old is taking after his dad and is embarking on a career in basketball.

Shareef took to his social media to share footage from the experience and pins a heartfelt message to follow. He writes, “Its 12 where I’m at so I’m gonna post this… One year has passed by since my heart surgery … a year ago today i was scared for my life ..a year ago today I was learning how to walk again . A year ago today I was turned into a new kid . A year ago today my life changed .. I thought I was going through hell while dealing with this process but then i realized it was a blessing that it was found. “

He continued, “I am very grateful for my health today and I will always be. I also want to thank everyone who stuck with me through this and uplifted me as I was down.”


View this post on Instagram

Its 12 where I’m at so I’m gonna post this… One year has passed by since my heart surgery … a year ago today i was scared for my life ..a year ago today I was learning how to walk again . A year ago today I was turned into a new kid . A year ago today my life changed .. I thought I was going through hell while dealing with this process but then i realized it was a blessing that it was found. I am very grateful for my health today and I will always be. I also want to thank everyone who stuck with me through this and uplifted me as I was down. I want to thank my family and friends for everything they did also .. this year has been a big struggle and I’m still finding my way back into things.. love ❤️ 1 year healthy.. 261 days since cleared to start training again.. the comeback still coming

A post shared by Shareef O’Neal (@shareefoneal) on


His mother, executive producer and star of hit show “Basketball Wives,” Shaunie O’Neal, also posted via his Instagram and reflected on the emotional experience as well. She writes, “One year ago today, as a mother I had to rely and trust God like never before. This process has taught me so much and made me understand how precious life is. I was at a place where I cried non stop but still had to be strong for my children. “

View the heart-felt post below.



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