Uplifting Athletes

Uplifting Athletes is a nonprofit organization that inspires the rare disease community with hope through the power of sport. Our national network of chapters is run by current football student-athletes. What makes Uplifting Athletes unique is that our chapter network is run by current football student-athletes, providing them with an opportunity to gain practical job skills while learning how to leverage their assets and abilities to make a positive and lasting impact. A rare disease is one that affects fewer than 200,000 Americans and consequently lacks financial incentive to make and market new treatments. Each chapter supports Uplifting Athletes giving the football student-athletes an opportunity to make an impact in the rare disease community. We currently have chapters at 25 different universities. The success of this initial effort, college football’s lack of a cause-marketing relationship and the overwhelming needs of the rare disease community has led to the evolution of Uplifting Athletes. We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit with four primary service programs – patient engagement, research, education and advocacy. The benefits to the college football student-athletes include the aspects of professional development and social engagement. We are currently expanding our network of university chapters within select major football programs. University chapters of Uplifting Athletes are set-up as registered student organizations, run by current football student-athletes and benefit a rare disease that is relevant to their team. Each chapter plans and hosts special events to help raise awareness for the rare disease community and promote the mission of Uplifting Athletes.