Former South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia announces Stage 4 cancer diagnosis: ‘We can beat this’

Former South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia announced Wednesday that he was diagnosed with Stage 4 colorectal cancer. Garcia, and his wife, Maria announced the news in tandem with a GoFundMe, which is aimed at funding Garcia’s medical bills.

In a statement, Garcia said he was confident about his outlook and urged others to get checked out “when you don’t feel 100%.”

Garcia, who spent four years with South Carolina, had a tumultuous tenure with the team. He showed promise in limited time as a freshman, but also dealt with multiple suspensions for off-the-field issues.

Despite those, he was elevated into the starting role over the next two seasons. During that period, Garcia combined to throw for 5,921 yards, with 27 touchdowns against 24 interceptions. Thanks to his efforts in 2010, South Carolina won the SEC East title.

Garcia played in just five games with the team during his final season. Due to more off-the-field issues, he was eventually dismissed from the program. Garcia was not selected in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Garcia’s GoFundMe, which was posted by his wife Maria, has already raised over $100,000. In the post, Maria wrote that doctors “are taking the most aggressive treatment path available to fight this.”

Garcia spent most of Wednesday responding to fans on Twitter and thanking them for their support.

At some point over the past few days, Garcia spoke to current South Carolina coach Shane Beamer, who said Garcia was “gonna kick this thing’s butt.”

Following his college career, Garcia spent some time in the CFL and AFL before working as a quarterbacks coach.