Struggling with severe health complications: the ex-Hawaii quarterback
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, former University of Hawaii (UH) football player Brent Rausch has been battling a double health crisis since his diagnosis with stage 3 melanoma in November 2022. The 34-year-old, who began chemotherapy in early 2023, has also been grappling with an intestinal problem that has caused him to lose nearly 60 pounds.
Rausch's competitive spirit and accurate throwing skills made him a standout player during his time at UH. His former coach, Coach Smith, described him as a "real fun player to coach" and a "great teammate," praising his competitiveness and the joy he brought to the team.
Rausch's mother, Dana, reported that her son had been hospitalized for a week in a hospital in Coachella, California, and had lost an additional 25 pounds in June 2023. However, there have been signs of progress. Dana reported that Brent has shown significant improvement since his recent re-admission to a UC San Diego-affiliated hospital.
Dr. Matthew Tsai, who is overseeing Rausch's care, has been a source of encouragement. "I'm your quarterback," he told Dana. "I'm going to be talking to all your doctors pertaining to you. I'm going to be calling the plays here. I will be your quarterback until this is completely gone."
Former UH teammates and coaches, including Greg Salas and Bryant Moniz, have shown their support for Rausch during this difficult time. Salas described Rausch as a "good guy" and expressed his dismay at hearing about his condition. Moniz wished Rausch a full recovery.
Rausch's health challenges have been compounded by a diagnosis of chemo-induced pancolitis, a form of ulcerative colitis affecting the entire colon. Despite the lack of specific information about his medical records, melanoma treatment progress, or recovery timeline, the medical community continues to make strides in melanoma treatment, such as the development of combination therapies and research on gene fusion detection in solid tumors.
As Rausch continues his fight, his family, friends, and former teammates remain hopeful for a full recovery. Their support and the care of his medical team offer a glimmer of hope in a difficult journey.
In the midst of his health challenges, Brent Rausch, the former University of Hawaii football player, is also battling a form of ulcerative colitis known as chemo-induced pancolitis. Despite the complications, his medical team is making progress, with developments in melanoma treatment such as combination therapies and research on gene fusion detection in solid tumors. Rausch's friends, family, and former teammates continue to offer support during his ongoing health-and-wellness journey.
