Take Action!

CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. – Members of the Boston College football team have officially launched the newest chapter of Uplifting Athletes, a national organization that works with college football players to fund rare disease research.  Shortly after Mark Herzlich (Senior, Linebacker) disclosed his battle with Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare form of cancer that typically affects young men, Ryan Lindsey (Junior, Wide Receiver) rallied his teammates to take advantage of the position they are in to make a difference.

The Boston College Uplifting Athletes inaugural event will be the “Lift For Life” on July 30 at 6pm.  Fans are encouraged to attend this fun-to-watch strength and conditioning competition to show their support. At least 60 football players are expected to participate, including well known veterans such as, Montel Harris, Wes Davis, Matthew Tennant, Rich Gunnell and incoming freshman. Donations can be made online at www.liftforlife.upliftingathletes.org/bc.

Mark is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatments, but hopes to be able to attend this unique event.  "It's humbling for me to learn that not only are my teammates supporting me, but that my situation has inspired them to do something that will help a lot of people facing similar challenges," Mark said. "I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at Lift For Life and personally thanking them.”

“As soon as we heard about Mark’s battle with this rare disease, we wanted to do something,” explained Ryan, the Boston College chapter president.  “I was familiar with Uplifting Athletes from some of my friends that play [football] for other schools and they put me in touch with the executive director, Scott Shirley.  The coaches were supportive of the idea so we met with Scott and he helped us get started.  We are excited about this opportunity.”  Shirley added, "There are a lot of benefits they get from the experience of organizing and running a chapter of Uplifting Athletes. They can take something they do every day and turn it into an event to raise awareness." 

Uplifting Athletes chapters are run by current football players on college campuses across the country, including Colgate University, University of Maryland, Ohio State and Penn State – each benefiting a rare disease relevant to their team.  Current Eagles responsible for planning their chapter’s Lift For Life event include Ryan Lindsey, James McCluskey, Damik Scafe, William Flutie, Thomas Claiborne, Wes Davis, Mark Spinney, Marcellus Bowman and Darius Bagan. For more information or to make your tax-deductible donation, please visit www.upliftingathletes.org.