When Dwyane Wade was diagnosed with kidney cancer, it sent shockwaves not just through his own life, but through his marriage and family. For Gabrielle Union, the experience brought a flood of emotions that she’s now sharing publicly for the first time.
Speaking to Marie Claire for its inaugural “Motherhood” issue, Union, 52, opened up about the private pain behind her husband’s very public revelation. Wade, 43, disclosed in January that he had undergone surgery in December 2023 to remove a cancerous tumor-resulting in the loss of 40% of his right kidney.
For Union, the diagnosis was terrifying-and instantly personal.
“Even though we all know plenty of survivors, immediately you go to death,” she said.
“Immediately we all internalize his cancer. It’s our cancer.”
Her reaction was deeply emotional-and admittedly conflicted.
“I’ll speak for myself when I say the decisions he was making hurt me about his cancer,” she explained.
“It felt like, ‘Oh, you’re trying to kill me. And I’m going to be alone raising these kids.'”
A hard year and an even harder conversation
Union acknowledged her response as “very selfish,” but said it stemmed from real fear. At the same time, Wade’s instinct for secrecy created additional tension.
“His need for secrecy about his cancer decisions… just started sowing the seeds of distrust,” she detailed.
“It felt like he was trying to leave us-not in a marital sense, but a life and death sense.”
The couple’s ninth year of marriage became a crucible.
“Year nine was very hard,” Union said during a February appearance on Today with Jenna & Friends. Only later did it become clear that Wade’s private health struggle had underpinned the emotional challenges of that year.
“Being faced with your own mortality in your early 40s… that’s traumatic,” Union said.
“You wonder, ‘Am I going to be here to see my family? Who am I without this big life, and without this healthy body?'” she added.
“But you also don’t understand the journey and the toll that it takes on your marriage, on your family, on your kids.”
Fortunately, the couple found their footing again after Wade’s successful surgery.
“By the time he got it removed, I felt like we were more on the same page,” Union shared.
Now, as parents to their 6-year-old daughter, Kaavia James, and guardians to Wade’s four other children-Zaire (22), Zaya (17), Xavier (11), and nephew Dahveon Morris (21)-the couple continues to lead a blended family rooted in love, resilience, and honesty.
Union’s reflections aren’t just about one couple’s fight through cancer-they’re a reminder that vulnerability and open dialogue are essential, especially when life feels most uncertain. Through the fear, cracks, and healing, Gabrielle Union is showing what strength looks like behind closed doors.
Read the full article here
