Updated on March 22, 2026
If you follow college basketball, you’ve probably heard the buzz around the Duke Blue Devils’ dynamic duo — fraternal twins Cameron and Cayden Boozer. But their older brother, Carmani Boozer, has an even more remarkable story. At the center of it all are his parents: former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer and entrepreneur CeCe Blackwell. Their journey isn’t just about fame and sports — it’s about a family that turned a life-threatening diagnosis into a miracle of modern medicine and unbreakable bonds.
Today, as the twins light up the court at Duke (Carlos’s alma mater) and Carmani chases his own dreams on the baseball diamond, their parents’ story continues to inspire. Here’s everything you need to know about Carmani Boozer’s parents and the family that beat the odds together.
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Who Is Carmani Boozer?
Carmani Boozer, born on May 31, 2006, in Miami, Florida, is the eldest son of Carlos and CeCe. Now 19 (turning 20 later this year), he stands 6-foot-3 and plays as a freshman pitcher and first baseman for the University of Fort Lauderdale baseball team. A graduate of Monsignor Edward Pace High School in Miami, Carmani chose baseball over basketball — breaking the family mold in the best way.
What sets Carmani apart is his incredible health journey. Diagnosed with sickle cell anemia in utero, he faced a condition that restricts blood flow and can cause severe pain, strokes, and worse. Thanks to a groundbreaking bone marrow transplant from his younger brothers’ umbilical cord stem cells, he is now fully cured and living an active, athletic life.
- Thriving in college baseball with his high school roots in South Florida
- Grateful for his brothers, often saying they were “only born because I was sick” — but in the most loving way
- Part of a tight-knit family that still celebrates every milestone together
His story is a testament to resilience, and it all starts with his parents’ unwavering support.
Carmani Boozer’s Father: NBA Legend Carlos Boozer
Carlos Boozer isn’t just a proud dad — he’s a basketball icon who passed on his passion (and height) to his sons. The two-time NBA All-Star played 13 seasons in the league, suiting up for the Utah Jazz, Cleveland Cavaliers, Chicago Bulls, and Los Angeles Lakers. He also won Olympic gold with the 2008 “Redeem Team” and helped Duke win the 2001 national championship.
A 6-foot-9 power forward known for his work ethic, Carlos met CeCe while she was a senior at Duke and he was an incoming freshman. After their divorce in 2015, he has stayed deeply involved in his sons’ lives. You’ll spot him courtside at almost every Duke game, cheering loudly and rarely missing a moment.
Key highlights from Carlos’s life:
- Built a successful 13-year NBA career through “blood, sweat, and tears”
- Emphasizes hard work to his kids: “You have to work your butt off… My kids have earned everything”
- Co-parents beautifully with CeCe and even has a younger daughter, Bloom, from a later relationship
His presence at Duke games in 2026 shows he’s still all-in on family, even as the twins chase their NBA dreams.
Carmani Boozer’s Mother: Entrepreneur and Supermom CeCe Blackwell
Cindy “CeCe” Nichole Blackwell is the quiet force behind the Boozer family. A former Division I volleyball player and University of Miami graduate, she brings the same competitive fire to life off the court. After the divorce, CeCe built a thriving career as an entrepreneur, founding assisted living facilities and homes for adults with disabilities — work inspired directly by Carmani’s medical needs.
She’s often called the “COO” of the family, handling everything from college recruiting to keeping the twins grounded. You’ll see her at Duke games in custom Blue Devils gear, supporting Cameron and Cayden while making sure they carve their own paths. CeCe has spoken openly about medical advocacy and parental intuition, turning her family’s pain into purpose.
What makes CeCe stand out:
- Drove the IVF decision that saved Carmani’s life
- Runs multiple healthcare businesses focused on special needs
- Proudly posts about her sons’ growth: “You have grown into amazing young men”
- Balances entrepreneurship with being the emotional anchor for all three boys
Her strength and love turned a scary diagnosis into a family victory.
The Family’s Miraculous Story: Overcoming Sickle Cell Together
The Boozer family’s defining chapter began before Carmani was even born. Doctors discovered sickle cell anemia in utero, and neither parent was a match for a transplant. After researching options, CeCe learned a sibling donor offered the best hope. So the couple turned to IVF — specifically to create embryos that would be genetic matches.
On July 18, 2007, fraternal twins Cameron and Cayden arrived. Their umbilical cord blood provided the stem cells that, after a 40-day hospital stay and chemotherapy, gave Carmani a new, healthy bone marrow. The transplant in 2007-2008 was a complete success.
This wasn’t just a medical win — it forged an unbreakable brotherly bond. The twins grew up knowing they literally saved their big brother’s life. Today, that story echoes in ESPN features and family interviews, reminding everyone of the power of love and science.
Carmani Boozer Family at a Glance
| Family Member | Birth Year | Current Age (2026) | Sport/Profession | Key Fact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlos Boozer | 1981 | 44 | Former NBA All-Star | Duke champ, 13-year pro career |
| CeCe Blackwell | N/A | Mid-40s | Entrepreneur & Advocate | Founded special-needs housing |
| Carmani Boozer | May 31, 2006 | 19-20 | College Baseball (UFTL) | Sickle cell survivor & pitcher |
| Cameron & Cayden Boozer | July 18, 2007 | 18 | Duke Basketball (Freshmen) | Twins who saved their brother’s life |
Conclusion: A Legacy of Love and Strength
Carmani Boozer’s parents, Carlos Boozer and CeCe Blackwell, prove that family isn’t defined by perfect circumstances but by how you face them together. From NBA arenas to hospital rooms and now college sidelines, their story shows the incredible power of resilience, innovation, and unconditional love.
As Cameron and Cayden chase March Madness glory at Duke and Carmani shines on the baseball field, one thing is clear: this family’s greatest victory isn’t on any scoreboard — it’s the life they saved and the bonds they built. If you’re inspired by stories of overcoming the impossible, the Boozer family is one you’ll want to keep following.
What do you think — is their journey one of the most heartwarming in sports? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and stay tuned for more family spotlights like this!