When a member of the Hoosier family was in need, Ricky Brookins answered the call in a big way.

The rising senior on Indiana’s roster took quick action when he discovered his friend and Hoosier equipment manager Matt Stauder had been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. To help Stauder deal with this tough situation, Brookins started a GoFundMe page for the Indiana equipment manager.

So far, the page has raised over $21,000 for Stauder with a goal of $25,000.

Brookins explained the drive of the GoFundMe page with the following message:

This fundraiser was put together by myself and various members of the Indiana University Football team to support our equipment manager and close friend Matt Stauder.

Matt has been a manager for the football team for the past 3 years and is about to finish his junior year at IU majoring in sports management and marketing. He is a positive force and a brother to us all and lives by our team motto: Love Each Other.

During this past season, Matt unexpectedly lost his father to a heart attack. This loss alone has been extremely difficult, but just recently Matt was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma cancer. He will start treatments in early May and our goal is to help offset medical costs. There is a target fundraising goal set but our wish is to support Matt and his family with their financial burden as much as possible.

We need your support! With the help of the community, staff, and players we can pull Matt through the fight of his life. He has supported our team everyday and now it is our turn to assist him.

Thank you so much for helping. Our team, Matt and Matt’s family greatly appreciates it! Please donate, share this with everyone you know and send up prayers for Matt.

Sincerely,

Ricky Brookins
IU Football Running Back

It’s great to see the Hoosier Family rally around a member in their time of need.