Former South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia is in the battle of his life as he undergoes chemotherapy for Stage 4 colorectal cancer. After getting his first round of treatment, he's keeping his head held high.
In a video shared to X on Thursday, Garcia offered an update to Gamecocks fans and everyone else who has shown support for him in the wake of his diagnosis. He said that the first round of chemo is over and he seemed to expect to lose his hair soon as a result of the treatment.
Garcia said that he's taking every part of the process one step at a time then offered his thanks to everyone that has been supporting him.
“I had the first round of chemo yesterday, I’m hoping like Hell I can keep this as long as possible, but if it’s got to go, it’s got to go – it’ll grow back,” Garcia said. “But I just wanted to tell everybody I’m in super-high spirits, we had our first round of chemo yesterday. We’re going to keep fighting this thing, put one foot forward, you know, eat an elephant one bite at a time. And we’re going to keep you guys updated. And again, I thank you so much for your thoughts, prayers, donations, calls, texts.
“I’m trying to get back to everybody, but I do just want to say ‘Thank you’ from the bottom of my heart. My wife thanks you from the bottom of her heart. My kids, my family, everybody. Continue on with the support and we’ll keep you updated. And if you’re feeling off, please get checked for the love of God.”
Fans in the comments to his video continued offering their support, wishing him the best and also telling their own stories of cancer battles they've endured.
© Dale Zanine-Imagn Images.
Garcia and the Gamecocks
Garcia was named the starter by South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier in 2009 and went on to become one of the best QBs in school history. He threw for 37 touchdowns between 2009 and 2010, leading them to the SEC Championship Game against Auburn in 2010 for the first time in school history.
By the time he finished his college career, Garcia ranked in the top five for passing yards and touchdowns, and held two of the three highest total offensive yard totals in team history. He still ranks third in total offensive yards for a career.
We wish Garcia all the best as he continues his battle against cancer.
