Frank Rybicki

During my last college baseball season in 2022, my teammate, Joe Barcia, was diagnosed with brain cancer and was forced to miss his season to receive treatment. When I received a call from Joe last spring in 2023 that his tumor re-grew and that he was headed into surgery, I sprung to action and set up the #DoItForJoe fundraiser.

During the weekend of his procedure, I completed the David Goggins 4x4x48 challenge (run 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours). I probed others to not just donate, but to participate by running one 4 mile leg in his honor. 61 people undertook the challenge and we raised $18,298 for the CHOP to help raise awareness for pediatric brain cancer and to improve patient outcomes.

For those who know me, marathon and ultra training have been the status quo since I began running after my baseball career ended in 2022. Last calendar year, I completed 10 marathons and ultras, owning a 3:08 PR. 

I have decided to link up with the CHOP and #DoItForJoe once more this fall during the NYC marathon for all the reasons above and to celebrate Joe, who successfully went through 2 extensive rounds of treatment and came out the other side stronger and more resilient. Your donation goes a long way to continue our mission and #DoItForJoe.

My commitment is this; I am not only pledging but guaranteeing a sub 3-hour marathon during this race. I am fully committed to completing this goal in Joe’s honor.

You can participate by uploading the stats for a long run or challenging workout of your choosing to your story by tagging Joe or myself with the hashtag #DoItForJoe. I hope you can help be a part of his journey as well.