Former NBA star hosts Raleigh event to raise awareness for heart disease

In 2012 doctors told Wilcox he had an enlarged heart and needed surgery that would essentially take him out of the game he loves.

"Once I got that information. They told me I was going to have to have surgery and go into a procedure. It was very emotional for me," he said.

Wilcox teamed up with the American Heart Association for Sunday night's event at the Raleigh bowling alley. Singer Fantasia and athletes Josh Smith, PJ Hairston and Rashard Lewis were in attendance.

As people mingled and bowled, information about heart disease and medical experts were on hand.

Wilcox said he really wanted to drive the message home to minority communities, some of which are at a higher risk for heart disease.