A rare disease (such as cystic fibrosis) affects fewer than 200,000 Americans and lacks popularity because it provides little financial incentive to make and market new treatments. However, there are more than 6,000 rare diseases collectively affecting approximately 25 million Americans and no coordinated effort.

The Societal Benefit service program prepares football student-athletes in a position of social influence to mature as socially responsible citizens and provides them with the tools to make a positive and lasting impact. They help improve the situation for people affected by rare diseases by strengthening the charities that support research for these diseases and making them news worthy.

top of page