Stephen Garcia, one of South Carolina’s all-time leading passers, is battling Stage 4 colorectal cancer. His wife, Maria Garcia, revealed the diagnosis in a GoFundMe page she started for her husband.
According to the GoFundMe, Garcia spent a few days in the ER getting various tests until receiving the diagnosis. He immediately began chemotherapy and will meet with specialized liver and colon surgeons afterward to determine what’s next in his treatment plan. As of publication, the GoFundMe has raised over $186,000 with a goal of $250,000.
Garcia himself provided an update a day into the GoFundMe’s existence, posing with a shaka sign in a picture adjoining the message.
“Round 1 of chemo in the books,” Garcia wrote. “We are doing great and staying action. The thoughts, prayers, calls, texts, DMs and donations have been a major help with the mentality! We got this!”
Who is Stephen Garcia?
Garcia is from Tampa, Florida and played at South Carolina from 2008-11. He made 34 starts for the Gamecocks, with his 7,597 yards and 47 touchdowns ranking third and fifth in program history, respectively.
He has a degree in sociology and enjoys ancient war movies and collecting swords, according to his South Carolina bio. Garcia’s brothers, Brian and Gary Garcia, both played football at Harvard.
Has Steve Spurrier commented?
The former South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier posted a video to Facebook encouraging fans to donate to Garcia, who he describes as one of his “all-time best quarterbacks.” Garcia thanked the ol’ Ball Coach in the comments.
We’re wishing Garcia the best in his recovery.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Who is Stephen Garcia? Ex-South Carolina QB diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer