Help Gabriel Barbosa Fight Colon Cancer

On July 2, 2018, I had the privilege of signing Gabriel Barbosa, a young pitcher from Bastos, Brazil, to begin his professional baseball career.

I first saw Gabriel pitch when he represented Brazil at the U15 Pan American Baseball Championship in Cartagena, Colombia. Even at that young age, there was something special about him. His athleticism, delivery, competitiveness, and ability to pitch immediately stood out. A year later, I had the honor of signing him and watching him begin the pursuit of his dream.

Since then, Gabriel has dedicated his life to baseball. His journey has taken him through the minor league systems of the Colorado Rockies, New York Yankees, and Philadelphia Phillies. He has also proudly represented his home country of Brazil in international competition, most recently in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

But Gabriel is so much more than a baseball player.

He is an extraordinary young man, a loving husband, a wonderful teammate, a devoted man of faith, and now, at just 24 years old, he is preparing for perhaps the most important role of his life: becoming a father.

The year 2026 began with incredible joy for Gabriel and his wife, Pamela, when they learned they were expecting their first child in September. They were filled with excitement and looking forward to beginning this beautiful new chapter together.

Then, suddenly, everything changed.

While pitching at the Double-A level for the Phillies, Gabriel became ill. After undergoing medical evaluations, he and his family received devastating news: Gabriel had been diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer.

Instead of spending these months simply preparing to welcome their first child, Gabriel and Pamela are now facing something no young family ever expects to face.

Gabriel is currently undergoing immunotherapy as part of his treatment and is scheduled to have surgery in September—the same month he and Pamela are expecting their baby.

It is difficult to put into words what Gabriel and his family are going through. But those of us who know him know the kind of person who is facing this fight. Gabriel has always approached life with faith, humility, determination, and courage. Those qualities carried him from a small city in Brazil to professional baseball, and today they are carrying him through the greatest challenge of his life.

Now it is our opportunity to stand beside him.

I'm creating this GoFundMe to help Gabriel and Pamela with the enormous financial burden associated with his cancer treatment, immunotherapy, surgery, medical expenses, and the challenges their young family will face in the months ahead.

No 24-year-old should have to choose between fighting for his health, preparing for the birth of his first child, and worrying about how to pay for it all.

I ask you, from my heart, to please help Gabriel in any way you can. Every donation, regardless of the amount, will make a difference. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing Gabriel’s story with others.

And above all, please keep Gabriel, Pamela, and their baby in your prayers.

I have watched Gabriel pursue his dreams since he was a teenager. Today, his biggest dream is no longer just baseball. It is about getting healthy, being there for his wife, holding his child, and having the opportunity to watch that child grow up.

Let’s rally around Gabriel and help him fight for that future.

Thank you for your generosity, your prayers, and your support. It means more than words can express.

Please note that I am organizing this fundraiser in my personal capacity. The Colorado Rockies, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, and Major League Baseball are not involved with or affiliated with this fundraiser.

With gratitude and faith,

Rolando Fernandez