Former QO And Penn State Football Star, Bani Gbadyu, is Battling Advanced Pancreatic Cancer

Bani Gbadyu made a name for himself battling on the football field. Now, the former Quince Orchard and Penn State student/athlete has a different battle. “I never thought I would hear the words Advanced Pancreatic Cancer in my life, much less at such a young age. Hearing and learning that I have cancer and being in the hospital for over 2 weeks has been the absolute hardest experience of my life.” Gbadyu wrote in a social media post yesterday.

According to the Penn State athletics website, the 2006 Quince Orchard graduate escaped the revolution and poverty in Liberia by taking a boat with his father and brother across the Atlantic to the United States when he was 10. He later attended Gaithersburg Middle School before going to high school at Quince Orchard, where he earned multiple football awards and a scholarship to Penn State. Following his time at Penn State, he had a stint with the Oakland Raiders during preseason.

A friend of Gbadyu’s started a GoFundMe two days ago that has already raised over $30K. Per Gbadyu’s social media post, “One thing that I have realized very quickly is how many amazing people I have in my life, from family, church and friends from every stage of life. Molly and I have been truly overwhelmed with the love and support that has already wrapped around our family. I feel blessed that there is an army invading heaven with prayers on my behalf. I know and can feel that God is loving me through this unimaginable time. I know everyone is supporting me, and most importantly my wife, family and kids believe in me. I hope that my journey can be a lesson for someone, at some point in time. We are going to lean on God and Fight On. #FightOnBani

Many are reaching out asking how they can help. Gift cards to help with family expenses would include Giant, Aldi, Walmart or Target. A dear friend has also started a GoFundMe account to help with large medical expenses coming our way.”