Our Executive Director, Rob Long, has shared that he will step away from his role in 2027, after 10 years with Uplifting Athletes.

Rob’s journey with Uplifting Athletes began in 2012, when his Syracuse teammates started a chapter in his honor following his brain cancer diagnosis. He turned that support into a calling, and since 2018 he has led the organization alongside President Brett Brackett. During that time, the Young Investigator Draft has funded 75 researchers with more than $1.4 million. Uplifting Experiences has served more than 3,000 people across 200+ events. Our Leadership Conference has grown to more than 130 Division I student athletes from 35 colleges.

Rob’s willingness to share his lived experience has inspired individuals and families to keep going, researchers to keep pushing, and a generation of student athletes to use their voices for the rare disease community. He has led with empathy, urgency, and hope, and the rare disease community is stronger because of him.

What happens next

Rob will remain our full-time Executive Director through the end of 2026. Beginning in 2027, we will start transitioning his role and responsibilities. Brett will continue to serve as President of Uplifting Athletes, providing consistent leadership for our team, partners, and the families we serve.

Brett and our Board of Directors are working closely with Rob on a thoughtful, seamless transition. Our programs, partnerships, and commitment to the rare disease community continue without interruption. Rob has also shared that he will keep supporting, advocating for, and fundraising on behalf of Uplifting Athletes for years to come.

We are deeply grateful for everything Rob has given to this organization and to the families we serve. From all of us at Uplifting Athletes and from every individual and family you’ve served: thank you!

Click here to view Rob’s full letter: [link]