BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The Northampton and DeSales Baseball teams are combining forces to join the "FOCHT FIGHT" in support of former NCC Vice-President of Academic Affairs and current DeSales Assistant Professor of Business, Dr. Jeff Focht.
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Dr. Jeff Focht

Stitches ... there are 108 of them on a baseball.  They facilitate a grip.  With a pitcher's skill applied, they make the ball spin and curve.

Stitches ... there are many of them on a wound.  They facilitate healing.  With a surgeon's skill applied, they make a body whole again ... or so we hope.

One man knows this all too well. 

Dr. Jeff Focht is an assistant professor and the Edward McCabe Chair of Business and Society at DeSales University.  Prior to his teaching in Center Valley, he served as Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Dean of Business & Technology and assistant professor of marketing at Northampton Community College. 

And now he's in the fight of his life.

Last Fall, Jeff was diagnosed with viral encephalitis - an infection of the brain.  Then, on New Yea's Eve, he suffered a seizure while out shopping with his wife Wanda. Following almost eight hours of surgery in Philadelphia, a large mass (grade IV glioblastoma) was removed from his brain - and Jeff learned that it was not an infection, but brain cancer, of the most malignant and aggressive kind.

The surgeon stitched up his head, but Jeff's battle had only just begun.

On March 20, 2017 Jeff completed his 30 intensive radiation treatments which had spanned over six weeks.  Now home again, he is undergoing a regimen of chemotherapy at the highest possible levels.

The impact of the treatments has taken a toll .. exhaustion, mini-seizures, nausea and mental fogginess are now part of his everyday routine.  But through it all - and not surprising to those who know him - Jeff's spirits are high.  He is a man of faith, he encourages fellow patients and is fighting his own fight like a warrior.

However, he cannot do it alone.  The costs of continued treatments, further tests and medical consults, along with travel to, and extended stays in Philadelphia, are all adding up. 

Now YOU CAN HELP ... by helping us help Jeff.  The Northampton and DeSales baseball teams are dedicating April 15th as "Jeff Focht Day" at their respective ballparks.

At Spartan Park and Butz Field, donations will be collected to help Jeff's family with spiraling costs.  If you can't make it out to the games, we encourage you to support these efforts by contributing to the "Focht Fight" at either school's athletic office or by going online at https://gofundme.com/thefochtfight.

Northampton faculty, staff and students are welcome to stop by the Athletic Office during the week of April 10th - 15th to make a donation. 



Thank you to DeSales University for providing the information above