Uplifting Athletes Funds Rare Disease Research Through College Football
Uplifting Athletes, a nonprofit founded by former Penn State football player Scott Shirley, is using college football's popularity to fund research for rare diseases. The organization has awarded $440,000 in grants to over 20 scientists in the past three years through its Young Investigator Draft.
The draft selects early-career researchers from the U.S. and Canada who are working on rare diseases. Each grant is for one year, with a minimum award of $20,000. Half of the funding comes from Uplifting Athletes, with the other half provided by the nominating group. Applications for the 2022 draft are open until November 18, with winners to be announced by the end of the year.
Uplifting Athletes aims to include researchers from diverse backgrounds through its Underrepresented Researchers in Medicine initiative. The organization's primary funding source is its chapters, which host events like Lift for Life to support the organization and its mission. These chapters represent college football teams across the U.S., raising awareness and funds through players wearing patches or stickers on their uniforms.
Uplifting Athletes continues to make a significant impact in rare disease research, with a total of $440,000 awarded to over 20 scientists in the past three years. The organization's unique approach of leveraging college football's platform has proven effective in raising both awareness and funds for this critical cause.
