Stephen Garcia, the former University of South Carolina quarterback remembered for leading the Gamecocks from 2007 to 2011, announced Wednesday that he has been diagnosed with Stage 4 colorectal cancer and has begun aggressive chemotherapy. Garcia made the announcement on Facebook and included a GoFundMe link to help cover the cost of his treatment, urging others to get checked if they do not feel well.
"Wasn’t overly excited to share this news, but it is what it is," Garcia wrote in the post. "We have a great team of doctors and staff that’s confident we can beat this! It’s the only option. If there’s one lesson to be learned, get checked and don’t be afraid to visit the doctor's office when you don’t feel 100%." Maria Garcia, in the same Facebook post, said the diagnosis followed several days in the emergency room and a battery of tests, including MRIs and CT scans, and a difficult hospital stay.
Garcia’s medical team began him on FOLFIRINOX on Wednesday, an intensive multi‑drug chemotherapy regimen often used as an aggressive treatment option for advanced gastrointestinal cancers. Maria Garcia wrote that following the initial rounds of chemotherapy the team will meet with specialized liver and colon surgeons to determine the next steps in his care, signaling a multi‑stage treatment plan that may include surgery if feasible.
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The announcement comes as family and friends have begun to share the fundraiser and messages of support on social media. In his post, Garcia also pointed to broader concerns about changes in health and diet, writing that "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." He closed on an optimistic note: "We got this and I appreciate all yall!"
Garcia’s college career was notable for both its highs and controversies. He compiled a 20‑14 record as a starter for South Carolina, throwing for 7,507 yards and 41 touchdowns while adding 777 rushing yards and 15 scores on the ground. He rose quickly as a recruit in 2007 and earned SEC Freshman of the Week honors early in his career. The 2009 season helped establish him as a key player for the Gamecocks, who won the SEC East that year and finished ranked No. 22. His college tenure also included multiple suspensions and culminated in his dismissal from the program midway through his final season.
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No further details on prognosis or the timeline for surgery were provided in the post. Garcia’s announcement focuses on beginning treatment and encouraging others to seek medical attention early. His family and former teammates are expected to continue sharing updates through the fundraising page and social media as his treatment progresses.
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