Leverage public interest to cultivate resources that accelerate scientific advancements for rare diseases
Mission
Inspire the Rare Disease Community with hope through the power of sport
Our Programs
Develops social influencers into leaders that make a positive impact on the rare disease community
Shares the platform of sport with the rare disease cause and raises it as a national priority
Creates special moments that enrich the lives of rare disease patients and their loved ones
Our Chapters
Active
Legacy
Fundraising Initiatives
Lift For Life
Lift For Life is the original fundraising event that
launched Uplifitng Athletes! The event was
inspired by Don Shirley's battle with a rare
cancer. Now, college football teams across the
country participate in the right-of-passage to
benefit the rare disease community!
Touchdown Pledge Drive
Touchdown Pledge Drive brings awareness and helps raise funds while capitalizing on what our students-athletes do best during our most visible time of the year, college football season.
UA Ambassadors
The UA Ambassador program empowers individual athletes to support the Rare Disease Community by raising money and awareness with their performance. Opportunities include Reps for Rare Diseases at the NFL Combine and/or Pro Day workouts, the NFL's My Cause, My Cleats campaign, and anything else you can imagine!
Team UA
We are inviting athletes from across the country to support our mission by holding a pledge-based event to raise money for Uplifting Athletes. This program is open to all sports and all levels! Simply click create your campaign below to get started and a member of our staff will reach out to you to help make it a success.
Uplifting Events & Awareness Campaigns
Uplifting News
Posted on Thursday May 06, 2021
In the time it takes to bring a life into this world, Allison D’Ambrosio Bones watched two precious lives leave. And not just any lives. In a short five-month span, Allison lost her husband Jamie to cancer, and then her son, Travis, to a hidden, deadly rare condition. She struggled with her life’s purpose, but […] Continue Reading »
Posted on Friday April 30, 2021
For decades they have been looking for the few and the proud. In Chris Kaag, the Marines found such a man. A Marine is a Marine. There is no such thing as a former Marine, according to the 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. James F. Amos. When your days in uniform are over, […] Continue Reading »
Posted on Thursday April 15, 2021
Empowering NFL prospects to use their Combine or Pro Day performance as a platform to give back and inspire the Rare Disease Community is what drives Uplifting Athletes Reps For Rare Diseases. 2021 marks the seventh consecutive year these athletes have used their platform to raise funds for Uplifting Athletes and introduce their fans, friends […] Continue Reading »
Posted on Friday February 26, 2021
Uplifting Athletes Executive Director Rob Long has been chosen as a 2021 Rare Impact Award honoree by the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). The Rare Impact Awards celebrate the individuals, groups and companies making extraordinary strides on behalf of the millions of Americans impacted by rare disease. “Despite the pandemic and the challenges we […] Continue Reading »
Posted on Friday February 12, 2021
Joe Spivak University: Northwestern University Vitals: 6-0, 300 pounds, senior, defensive lineman Quick Hits: 2020: A natural leader, Joe was a three-time captain in high school, becoming the first sophomore football player chosen as a captain at Esmark High School in Chicago. Joe has appeared in 36 games for the Wildcats since his true freshman […] Continue Reading »
Posted on Thursday February 11, 2021
Josephus Smith University: Austin Peay State University Vitals: 5-9, 285 pounds, senior, defensive tackle Quick Hits: Josephus had a breakout 2019 in his second season with APSU after transferring from Miles College in Alabama. The three-time member of the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll earned first-team All-Ohio Valley Conference honors after posting 18.5 tackles for a […] Continue Reading »
Posted on Wednesday February 10, 2021
David Shaw University: Stanford University Vitals: Head Football Coach Quick Hits: The 1995 Stanford graduate is the fifth alum to hold the position of head football coach. David is the 34th head coach in program history and just completed his 10th season at his alma mater. He is the winningest coach in program history with […] Continue Reading »
Posted on Tuesday February 09, 2021
Rex Culpepper University: Syracuse University Vitals: 6-3, 221 pounds, senior, quarterback Quick Hits: A native of Florida who has a vast arsenal of talents and interests off the field, Rex persevered to become the Orange starting quarterback the second half of the 2020 season. The three-time ACC Honor Roll and seven-time SU Athletic Director’s Honor […] Continue Reading »
Posted on Monday February 08, 2021
Nolan Cooney University: Syracuse University Vitals: 6-3, 202 pounds, senior, punter Quick Hits: Nolan had a rare cancer scare in high school that gave him a different perspective on patience and made waiting four years to become the No. 1 punter for the Orange no problem. The four-time ACC Honor Roll and six-time Syracuse Athletic […] Continue Reading »
Posted on Monday January 04, 2021
Northwestern capped off a memorable 2020 season by winning its fourth consecutive bowl game with a victory over Auburn in the Citrus Bowl. The Big Ten West champions used an offensive explosion that produced the most passing (291) and total yards (457) this season. Wildcats linebacker Paddy Fisher posted a game-high 12 tackles to become […] Continue Reading »
Corporate Champions
