Rare Disease Champion Honored by the College Football Hall of Fame

Princeton University Running Back Jordan Culbreath, the 2011 Uplifting Athletes Rare Disease Champion, was recognized by the College Football Hall of Fame on May 11, 2011 at the 15th annual KeyBank Gridiron Legends Luncheon Series in South Bend, Indiana. Culbreath’s inspirational battle with a rare disease and his triumphant return to the field inspired many in the rare disease community. Redskins Quarterback Donovan McNabb headlined the luncheon where Culbreath was honored.

Culbreath, a survivor of aplastic anemia – a rare disease in which the body's bone marrow fails to make enough new blood cells – was nominated for the award by his head coach. Culbreath learned of his illness following a sprained ankle suffered during the 2009 season. After several months of treatment, Culbreath returned to the team during his senior year.

His courage and determination inspired his teammates, and the 2008 first-team All-Ivy selection was named the team’s co-captain during his final year with the Tigers. Culbreath was also an inspiration to the rare disease community, reaching out to other players, families and complete strangers who were touched by his story.

“I’m very lucky," Culbreath has said of his struggle with aplastic anemia. “I know that. I don’t take anything for granted.” By using the blog CaringBridge.org, Jordan was able to reach out to other players, families and complete strangers inspired by his story.

Uplifting Athletes is collaborating with the College Football Hall of Fame for the luncheon series. The hall has announced Archie Griffin will also be a keynote speaker at the second luncheon planned for June 28th.

The Rare Disease Champion Award, determined by an online vote among five finalists nominated by their schools or organizations, is presented annually to recognize a leader in the world of college football who has made a positive and lasting impact on the rare disease community. Previous Rare Disease Champions include 2010 winner Ian Mitchell of Dickinson College and 2009 winner Grant Taeff of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA).