My teammate, classmate, and friend, Joe Barcia, was diagnosed with three inter-cranial mixed germ cell tumors just before our season began last year. After a long year of chemotherapy and radiation, Joe was poised to return to play this year. However, very recently, doctors discovered a recurrent tumor that needs to be excised, which unfortunately is going to sideline him from the baseball field for a second straight season.

Joe is the hardest-working teammate I had in my 6-years of college baseball and refuses to quit. He is set to undertake a master's degree to eventually get the full college season that he has truly deserved.

I am setting up this fundraiser to raise money for his hospital. Hopefully with better knowledge in regards to brain cancer and proper treatment options, patients like Joe can stay out of hospitals and continue to pursue their dreams.

This weekend, I will be undertaking the 4x4x48 challenge (run 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours) to help raise awareness for Joe's condition. Keep Joe in your prayers as he is set to undergo surgery this Friday.