FULLERTON, Calif. – Student-athletes from the Cal State Fullerton baseball team joined Titan baseball camper Joey Fitzgerald as members of Team Ikaika for the fifth-annual Pump it Up for Platelets 5k run/walk fundraiser to promote awareness for Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP).

Joey, now 7 years old and a frequent member of Titan baseball camps, was diagnosed five years ago with the rare auto-immune disorder known as ITP. ITP is a bleeding disorder in which the immune system destroys platelets, which are necessary for normal blood clotting.

"It was a great experience," junior John Gavin said. "It was fun to see Joey with all of his friends, playing games, smiling and having so much support. I didn't know much about his condition before the walk, but it opened my eyes to how many people that it affects in different ways. It definitely made me realize how fortunate we are."

Joey enjoys playing baseball, soccer, and basketball, and hopes that one day he will go into remission or a cure will be found.

"Whenever we get to participate in an event like this it is extremely humbling," senior Taylor Bryant said. "Going out to walk with everyone makes our daily problems seem so minimal."

The Titan baseball team joined Team Ikaika, Joey's middle name which means strong in Hawaiian, for the 5k walk in Fullerton on Sept. 18.