Former University of South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia revealed he has been diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer.
“Wasn’t overly excited to share this news but it is what it is,” Garcia, 38, posted via Facebook on Wednesday, May 6. “We have a great team of doctors and staff that’s confident we can beat this! It’s the only option.”
Garcia, who played for the Gamecocks from 2008 to 2011, used his diagnosis to urge others to be proactive about their own health.
“If there’s one lesson to be learned, get checked and don’t be afraid to visit the doctors office when you don’t feel 100%,” he wrote. “The stuff we consume has been altered significantly over the years and we’ve been hearing more and more people in this age range are getting diagnosed with these things.”
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Garcia added, “We got this and I appreciate all yall!”
In sharing the news, Garcia was asked on social media what “symptoms” he was feeling that urged him to get checked out.
“Some mild and random abdominal pain,” he said via X on Wednesday. “Inconsistent stools. Never felt like I fully emptied. Never had any other symptoms so it was shocking to say the least.”
A GoFundMe organized by Garcia’s wife revealed that he began chemotherapy on Wednesday.
“His medical team is starting him on FOLFIRINOX, which confirms they are taking the most aggressive treatment path available to fight this,” the fundraiser said. “Following these initial rounds, he will be meeting with specialized liver and colon surgeons to determine the next steps in his treatment plan. Stephen’s entire focus is now dedicated to one thing: fighting this disease with everything he has.”
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Garcia acknowledged the backlash that can sometimes come when public figures organize such fundraisers. Garcia’s page has earned more than $125,000 at the time of publication.
“Trust me I know… I told my wife to set it where we thought the costs were going to be at and for some reason she put it at 35k haha,” he shared via X. “I can promise you, I am NOT trying to take advantage of any situation at all. This is a s***ty deal and the last thing on my mind is $$.”
The fundraiser said the money raised would help the Garcia family during “a very difficult time.”
“Every message of support and every contribution serves as a reminder to Stephen that he is not in this alone,” the page reads. “We are incredibly grateful for the village helping him fight this battle.”
