An online fundraiser has been set up to provide support to Syracuse basketball legend Dwayne “Pearl” Washington, who is currently fighting brain cancer.

Washington has had a recurrence of brain cancer for many years and recently had surgery to remove part of a large tumor, according to the fundraising page.

David Brownstead, a Class of 2004 alumnus, said he created the fundraiser with hope of raising $15,000 for Washington and his family. The fundraiser, which will be open until Dec. 7, has raised $1,940 as of Wednesday night.

Although there is still a long way to go to meet Brownstead’s goal of $15,000, the SU community is rallying behind Washington. The hashtag #PrayersforPearl has gained traction on Twitter, where fans have expressed their appreciation for one of SU’s all-time greats.

Washington, who is originally from Brownsville, Brooklyn, acquired his nickname as a reference to the New York Knicks legend Earl “The Pearl” Monroe, and became a legend himself during his three years at Syracuse University.

He was drafted by the New Jersey Nets in 1986 and went to the Miami Heat two years later. Following his release after that season, Washington would not play another game in the NBA.

All proceeds will go directly to Washington and his family.