Updates on Margo Dydek, former WNBA player still in medically-induced coma

Update: Margo Dydek passed away on the morning of Friday, May 27.

Since news broke last week that former WNBA center Margo Dydek had a heart attack and was in a medically-induced coma, members of the women’s basketball community have rallied in support for her from afar. Pregnant with her third child, Polish-native Dydek and her husband live in Brisbane, Australia where she coaches the Northside Wizards, a team in the Queensland Basketball league.

As of Monday, she was still in a coma and attempts to wake her on Sunday failed. Her sister Katarzyna Dydek told the press that the family remains confident that she will recover based on results of medical tests.

“We’re optimistic as the results of tests done in the hospital are proving positive,” said Katarzyna according to thenews.pl, a Polish website.

Several players have tweeted about her condition and asked fans to pray for Dydek. According to former Starzz player Kate Starbird, Dydek is doing a little better and partially breathing on her own.

Another former WNBA player, Rushia Brown, organized a prayer call among players on Monday night.

The women of the WNBA are not afraid to stand before God and pray on behalf of our sister MARGO DYDEK! We declare healing! #showup&showout @RushaB

Dydek  also played on the Polish National team and on squads in the EuroLeague including Lotos alongside Chasity Melvin of the Washington Mystics. Melvin dedicated a blog entry to Dydek.

“Margo is not just a great basketball player but she is an even better person,” wrote Melvin. “There is no one that hasn’t come in contact with Margo that doesn’t enjoy being around her.”

Dydek was at home last Thursday when she collapsed and was rushed to the hospital.

“Luckily, it was morning when her husband was at home,” said Katarzyna to thenews.pl “An ambulance arrived five minutes later and resuscitation began just 10 minutes after.”

Dydek was the number one pick in the 1998 WNBA draft. The Utah Starzz chose the 7-2 player who for several years was the tallest active women’s basketball player in the world. She joined the San Antonio Silver Stars when the Starzz moved to Texas under new ownership. She also played for Connecticut and Los Angeles.

Around the Web

• Basketball star still in coma (thenews.pl)
• Humanity a perfect tribute to ‘Margie’ (theday.com)
• Former WNBA player Dydek suffers heart attack (AP)
• My Prayer for Margo (ChasityMelvin.com)