News from Uplifting Athletes, Inc.

Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community a Huge Success

Mon, 24 May 2010 23:16:45 GMT

Harrisburg: A huge thanks to everyone that made Saturday's Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community a success for Uplifting Athletes. In our first year participating in the event, Uplifting Athletes exceeded our goal of raising more than $8,000, with pledges still coming in. That money will help the more than 30-million Americans affected by a rare disease. Despite a couple raindrops, more than 124 walkers represented Uplifting Athletes in the 5K and 1-mile walk. We would like to thank everyone who walked and/or made a contribution to our cause. The walk route was picturesque, taking participants around City Island and along the Susquehanna River in Harrisburg. Uplifting Athletes was one of 35-organizations to particpate in the walk.

Also a big thanks to Highmark. The event was well-organized. We were thankful for the opportunity to set up a booth where people could learn more about our cause. As an organization, we feel we educated quite a few people Saturday on our mission. Together...We Are...Stronger!

05/24/2010

Welcome Back! Boston College Uplifting Athletes Going Strong.

Mon, 03 May 2010 15:17:36 GMT

05/01/2010
Chestnut Hill, MA - The Boston College chapter of Uplifting Athletes continued their efforts this weekend to raise funds and awareness to support Ewing’s sarcoma research -- a rare disease that typically affects late-teen or young-adult males. The chapter’s second annual “Lift For Life” event, organized by Ryan Lindsey and his teammates, involved nine events featuring different members of the offense and defense against one another. Fans and students came out to show their support.

Individual players set fundraising goals in honor of their teammate, Mark Herzlich, who was diagnosed with this rare disease less than one year ago. The highlight of the day came when Mark competed in the bench press. He has been declared cancer free by his doctors and said he plans to play again this fall.

Over $9,000 has been raised by BC Uplifting Athletes events like "Lift For Life" so far this year. BC Uplifting Athletes efforts generated $117,528.01 during 2009 -- the highest first year total by any new chapter. Including the money raised through Uplifting Athletes, the Boston College athletic department's "BC Beat Cancer" campaign has generated over $200,000 for various cancer related charities. Uplifting Athletes works in partnership with the Sarcoma Foundation of America to fund grants for promising research specific to this rare disease.

05/03/2010

Uplifting Athletes joins Digital Revolution!

Tue, 11 May 2010 17:35:21 GMT

Mobile fundraising has taken off in 2010. In mid-January, the American Red Cross launched a text message based fundraising campaign that more than doubled the total amount given to all charities the previous year. They accomplished this in less than 48 hours with the help of new social media tools like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Thanks to Mobile Cause, a leading service provider for mobile giving, you can now encourage your friends to support Uplifting Athletes by texting “UPLIFTING” (space) and your DONATION AMOUNT to 27138. You can also text "UA" to 85944 and reply "YES" to simply have a $10 donation added to your phone bill that month. Try it out for yourself…then add it to your email signature to help spread the word!

We kicked off the campaign on the Big Ten Network with a public service announcement produced by Anshey Bhatia (VPVinteractive.com) that features the voice of Steve Jones (3WZ & WPSU). You can check it out on our facebook or twitter pages, too.

Last but not least, you can download our iPhone app to get the latest news, photos and videos. Just search the app store for “UGive,” then scroll down to the Uplifting Athletes logo. For more information, please visit www.upliftingathletes.org made possible by Media Barn Inc.

05/01/2010

Raiders Have Uplifting Start to Spring Football Campaign

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 23:47:15 GMT

The Colgate Football Chapter of Uplifting Athletes held its third annual Lift For Life event on Friday, March 26, at the Sanford Field House. The event helped raise more than $8,000 to support research for Neuroblastoma.

Neuroblastoma is a rare pediatric cancer affecting the sympathetic nervous system. There are an estimated 700 new cases of Neuroblastoma each year, classifying it as a rare disease. It is documented that more than 75% of rare diseases effect children.

The night was met with enthusiasm by community members, athletic department staff, and past Colgate Uplifting Athletes Chapter officers to support the team’s effort through a series of events pitting the offense versus the defense.

President, Kevin Morgan, commented on the tremendous support from the campus and community, "The team and campus community really came together this year in the efforts to raise funds. We were extremely excited about everyone's involvement, and proud to support such a cause such as Neuroblastoma."

About Uplifting Athletes
Uplifting Athletes is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to align college football with rare diseases to raise them as a national priority. University chapters are operated by current football student-athletes and raise funds and awareness for a rare disease relevant to their team. For more information about Uplifting Athletes please visit www.upliftingathletes.org.

03/26/2010

AmeriChoice Charity Golf Classic to Benefit Uplifting Athletes

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 20:00:59 GMT

AmeriChoice will hold their 6th Annual Charity Golf Classic on Monday, June 14, 2010 at the Carlisle Country Club. We invite you to tee off to raise money for Uplifting Athletes.

03/18/2010

Rare Disease Advocates Visit DC for Rare Disease Day

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 20:07:36 GMT

On Friday, February 26, Uplifting Athletes, along with Shire, the National Organization for Rare Diseases (NORD) and the Children’s Rare Disease Network, traveled to Capitol Hill for an advocacy day in honor of Global Rare Disease Day.

A group of leaders from each organization met with members of Congress and their staff to educate them on the impact of rare diseases, the need for increased attention, research and funding, along with the importance of infant screening for these diseases.

Congress members and their staff also heard the story of Jeff Bardsley, a rare disease patient in attendance living with Hunter Syndrome.

The group of advocates then spent time distributing pins and wristbands to help raise awareness of the rare disease cause.

Moving forward Uplifting Athletes looks to build relationships with these and other advocacy groups in an effort to raise rare diseases to a national priority, giving a united voice to the rare disease community. For more information on all of Uplifting Athlete's Rare Disease Day events visit our Rare Disease Day page.

03/18/2010

Hershey Bears help Uplifting Athletes Face off Against Rare Diseases

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:45:24 GMT

Saturday, February 27 the Hershey Bears helped Uplifting Athletes face off against rare diseases.

Fans in attendance that night were given the opportunity to learn about the Uplifting Athletes cause and how rare diseases affect 30 million Americans. Fast facts about rare diseases were shown throughout the game, and former Penn State punter Jeremy Boone was part of an on-ice interview informing fans about Uplifting Athletes and directing them to our booth at the Giant Center.

At the Uplifting Athletes booth, fans had a chance to talk football and get autographs from Jeremy plus learn more about the cause. They were also able to purchase t-shirts and wrist bands and take home information about upcoming events and how to join in our mission.

Two lucky raffle winners also went home with team-autographed Penn State memorabilia. All proceeds from the sale of Uplifting Athletes gear and raffle tickets went to support our cause to align college football with rare diseases and raise them to a national priority.

The Rare Disease Night with the Hershey Bears was part of a larger list of events to honor Rare Disease Day, which is held on February 28 each year. This is the second year in a row the Hershey Bears have been involved with Uplifting Athletes Rare Disease Day events. For more information on all of Uplifting Athlete's Rare Disease Day events visit our Rare Disease Day page.

03/18/2010

Join "Team UA" for the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community on May 22!

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 20:08:43 GMT

The Highmark 5k Walk/one-mile Fun Walk is an annual event where the community is encouraged to walk for Uplifting Athletes as one of the supported organizations.

02/24/2010

Reach out on Feb. 28 for Rare Disease Day 2010

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:45:16 GMT

Rare Disease Day is a annual initiative to unite people affected by rare diseases in effort to raise awareness on a global level and in communities across the country. Uplifting Athletes is offering several ways for you to get involved and help spread the word about the rare disease cause.

12/11/2009

Herzlich Named Disney Spirit Award Recipient

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 00:07:47 GMT

Boston College linebacker Mark Herzlich has been selected for the Disney Spirit Award given annually by Disney Sports to college football's most inspirational figure. Herzlich will be presented with the award during The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards at Walt Disney World Resort on Thursday, Dec. 10.

11/19/2009

Join or Support "Team UA" in the Coaches vs. Cancer 5k on April 17th!

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 22:22:15 GMT

Welcome to the "Team UA" page for the Coaches vs. Cancer 5k on April 17, 2010!

The newly formed "Team UA" allows fans to turn their next run, ride, triathlon or adventure race into an opportunity to support college football players helping rare disease patients. Donations made through members of Team UA will enable Uplifting Athletes to benefit a rare disease community of nearly 30 million Americans.

For more information on how to support Team UA in the Coaches vs. Cancer 5k, e-mail us at TeamUA@UpliftingAthletes.org.

www.z2systems.com/np/clients/uplifting/campaign.jsp

11/16/2009

Hoos for Herzlich: UVa Students launch fundraiser in honor of ACC student-athlete

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:01:16 GMT

10/27/2009

Hey ACC Fans! Click HERE to support Boston College Uplifting Athletes!

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:14:40 GMT

10/02/2009

Thanks to BC Uplifting Athletes...SUPPORT for Ewing's Sarcoma (and other Rare Diseases) is Contagious!

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:14:08 GMT

Chestnut Hill, MA - During today's game between Boston College and Wake Forest, representatives from the FedEx Orange Bowl will make a special presentation. Like Coach Swinney of the Clemson Tigers and Coach Beamer of the VT Hokies, the FedEx Orange Bowl will make a donation to Uplifting Athletes to support Ewing's sarcoma research in honor of BC Linebacker Mark Herzlich. The Boston College chapter of Uplifting Athletes was started by wide receiver Ryan Lindsey when he learned of his teammate's bout with this rare disease. Lindsey, along with teammates Damik Scafe, Wes Davis, Billy Flutie, Thomas Claiborne, James McCluskey, Mark Spinney and Marcellus Bowman organized the chapter's innagural "Lift For Life" event, which raised over $30,000 this summer. Their efforts have generated nearly $50,000 so far to fund research for this rare disease.

Click on the links below to read more about these amazing gestures of support:

Wall Street Journal
USA Today
ESPN
Greenville Online

Another campaign currently underway to support the BC Chapter is the "March for Mark." It's being organized be a former high school teammate Jonathan Hamer at Conestoga High School.

Last week, during the Penn State vs. Temple game, the Penn State chapter of Uplifting Athletes presented a check for $88,360 to the Kidney Cancer Association for rare disease research. Throughout the fall, player run chapters at Ohio State, Maryland and Colgate University will make presentations to the CMT Association (a rare neurological disorder), Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Ehlers-Danlos National Foundation (a rare soft tissue disorder) respectively for rare disease research.

About Uplifting Athletes: Uplifting Athletes is a national nonprofit founded in 2003 by a group of college football players. Our mission align college football with rare diseases and raise them as a national priority through outreach, research, education and advocacy. A rare disease is one that affects fewer than 200,000 Americans and typically lacks financial incentive to make and market new treatments. What makes Uplifting Athletes unique is that our university chapters are run by current football student-athletes, giving them the ability to actively engage their teammates while gaining practical management skills. Each chapter adopts one of nearly 7,000 different rare diseases to make the cause relevant to their team. Our chapter network currently includes Boston College, Maryland, Ohio State, Penn State and Colgate University. The coordianted effort across college football is elevating the rare disease cause and benefitting nearly 30 million Americans. For more information, please visit www.upliftingathletes.org or contact Scott Shirley @ 717-525-8966.

09/26/2009

OSU Uplifting Athletes in the news!

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 21:58:19 GMT

The second annual Uplifting Athletes Charity Video Game Challenge at Ohio State was a big success. Kurt Coleman's leadership elevated the event to new heights as more fans and players enjoyed the atmosphere at Damon's Grille on Olentangy River Road. Duron Carter (OSU) beat Devon Still (PSU) in the intercollegiate championship 58-0. David Hall, CEO of the CMT Association, was on hand to answer questions from the media and provide valuable information to local patients in attendance. Here are some press clipping, photos and videos from the event:

ESPN.com (Blog)
Columbus Dispatch
Cleveland Plain Dealer
The O-Zone (Photos)
NBC4 (Video of Kurt Coleman)
Bucknuts (Video of Kurt Coleman)
Bucknuts (Video of Terrelle Pryor)

08/06/2009

"Lift For Life" to Support Herzlich (ESPN.com)

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:16:52 GMT

This afternoon is a good chance to show it, as the Boston College chapter of Uplifting Athletes will host its inaugural event, the "Lift For Life," at 6 p.m.

07/30/2009

Chris Fox visits Fox 25 in Boston to talk about their upcoming "Lift For Life"

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 01:16:00 GMT

Boston College football players thought their world was turning upside down when they had to endure a change in head coach. But that was nothing compared to the news about popular senior linebacker Mark Herzlich.

07/27/2009

Boston College Uplifting Athletes "Lift For Life" Set for July 30

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:56:34 GMT

CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. - Members of the 2009 Boston College football squad are set to participate in the fun-to-watch Uplifting Athletes “Lift For Life” event scheduled for Thursday, July 30, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in Alumni Stadium. Current BC Eagles will test their strength and endurance in this nine exercise competition featuring extreme activities such as tug of war and a truck push. Proceeds from the event will benefit research through the Sarcoma Foundation of America and help raise awareness for this rare disease. Their efforts have already raised over $15,000 this year.

“Lift For Life” is open to the public with a suggested donation of $5 per student or child and $10 per adult. Parking will be available in the garage adjacent to Alumni Stadium and Gate E will be open for fans to enter the event. Donations can also be made in advance and credited to your favorite player’s fundraising total by visiting www.liftforlife.upliftingathletes.org/bc. Fans will have a chance to meet and get autographs from current and former members of the Boston College football team.

Uplifting Athletes events are organized by current football student-athletes. The Boston College chapter of Uplifting Athletes is run by members football team including officers Ryan Lindsey, James McCluskey, Damik Scafe, Wes Davis, Billy Flutie, Tom Claiborne, Darius Bagan, Mark Spinney and Marcellus Bowman. They have joined college football players from Ohio State, Penn State, Maryland and Colgate University in a coordinated effort to raise awareness for rare diseases.

“Each chapter of Uplifting Athletes has the ability to benefit a rare disease that has impacted their team,” explained Ryan Lindsey, chapter president. “When Mark [Herzlich] was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, we were excited to be able to help this great cause. Plus, it has been a great experience personally and professionally for everyone on the team that has been involved with planning this event”

Matt Alsante, Executive Director for the Sarcoma Foundation of America, will also be in attendance. "We are thrilled that the Boston College football team has started a chapter of Uplifting Athletes to raise funds and awareness for sarcoma research,” shared Matt. “The challenges that patients and families have when fighting a rare disease are immense and the unique position that college football players have to raise awareness about rare diseases is invaluable."

07/23/2009

Second Annual Uplifting Athletes Charity Video Game Challenge organized by Ohio State Football Players

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 22:11:39 GMT

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Members of the Ohio State football team are planning the second annual Uplifting Athletes Charity Video Game Challenge on Wednesday, August 5, 2009, at Damon’s Grille on Olentangy River Road. Sixteen current Buckeyes will face off against each other in this fun-to-watch college football video game tournament, matching the offense versus the defense to crown this year’s champion. The event will run from 3-6 p.m., with a number of additional players on hand to interact with fans, sign autographs and raise awareness for the fight against rare diseases.

Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students; special VIP passes are available for $50. Donations can be made in advance online at http://upliftingathletes.org/content/chapter-osu and tickets can be purchased at the door during the event. Autographed items will also be available for bid as part of a silent auction. This year’s proceeds will benefit research for Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, an inherited neurological disorder similar to muscular dystrophy, and help increase awareness for this rare disease.

The Ohio State chapter of Uplifting Athletes was started by former Buckeye Matt Daniels, whose father, Coach Joe Daniels, has battled kidney cancer. Ohio State is one of six colleges in the Uplifting Athletes program. Senior strong safety Kurt Coleman has taken over as the chapter president this year.

“Each year, we get to choose a rare disease that is relevant to the team,” Coleman said. “Last year we helped put kidney cancer on the map, so this year we wanted to do something different. CMT is a disease that has affected the father of one of our teammates, Terrelle Pryor, and we felt like we were in a position help improve the situation for all CMT patients.”

“Uplifting Athletes is a great way for us to use the position we’re in to help out a group of people that really needs it,” added Donnie Evege, junior defensive back. “Plus it gives us a chance to network and learn from the experience of running an organization.”

07/23/2009

Uplifting Athletes "College Colors Day" 2009

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:13:36 GMT

CAMP HILL, PA - Uplifting Athletes is partnering with businesses, organizations and community groups to organize college football themed “dress down” days that raise awareness and money to support rare disease advocacy, education, outreach and research.

07/20/2009

Penn State Uplifting Athletes raise $85,465 (and counting) at Lift For Life!

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 20:14:02 GMT

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA - The Seventh Annual Uplifting Athletes "Lift for Life" event held Friday at Holuba Hall was another unprecedented success with large crowds and a record total of more than $85,465 raised for the Kidney Cancer Association.

Thanks to your support, the 2009 Penn State Football Uplifting Athletes have raised over $81,000 to benefit the Kidney Cancer Association. Here is an assortment of press clippings, photo and video galleries that recap their Lift For Life event!

PRE EVENT NEWS
Penn State Prepares to Lift For Life (ESPN)
Penn State’s annual Lift for Life fundraiser takes place Friday, as Nittany Lions players participate in a strength and conditioning competition to raise money and awareness for the Kidney Cancer Association.

Penn State charity gets lift from Buckeyes, others (CBS Sports)
What started as a weightlifting event six years ago to raise money at Penn State for kidney cancer research has turned into a full-fledged philanthropic organization called "Uplifting Athletes" involving other football programs dedicated to fighting rare diseases.

Football Players Lend Strength to Lift For Life (Daily Collegian)
It will embark on a conference title defense in less than two months, but what is perhaps the Penn State football team’s toughest day of the year has already arrived.

Lions Love Lift For Life (BWI)
Hundreds of thousands of visitors will flock to Happy Valley this weekend for the annual Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts in downtown State College. Of course, for Penn State football fans, this weekend also marks the return of the Nittany Lions’ mid-summer treat for the fans.

Support Penn State Football’s Lift For Life Program (PhillyBurbs.com)
Members of the 2009 Penn State football team are preparing to participate in the 7th annual Uplifting Athletes "Lift For Life" event, which benefits the Kidney Cancer Association and has become one of the highlights of the summer for the State College community.

Penn State Football Players Lift For Charity (KYW Radio)
Penn State football players battle each other in a weightlifting competition to raise money for the fight against Kidney Cancer, in an event that has become a highlight of summers in State College.

POST EVENT NEWS
Linebackers Take The Day As Penn State Football Lift For Life Raises Record Total Of More Than $81,000 (Go PSU Sports)
The Seventh Annual Uplifting Athletes "Lift for Life" event held Friday at Holuba Hall was another unprecedented success with large crowds and a record total of more than $81,000 raised for the Kidney Cancer Association. The event has now raised nearly $400,000 in its seven years of existence.

Uplifting Experience (Fight On State)
He was drenched in sweat and clutching a mostly empty sports drink container, but Stephfon Green looked genuinely thrilled Friday after his workout at Penn State’s Lift For Life fundraiser.

No Pain, No Gain (CDT)
In his typical quite barritone, Navorro Bowman summed up Penn State’s annual Lift For Life fundraising challenge about as well as anyone ever has.

A Winning Hand (Fight On State)
When their football careers are complete, Penn State seniors Josh Hull and Mickey Shuler may want to consider getting into coaching. You see they’ve already established themselves as effective recruiters.

More Than 90 Football Players Compete in Lift For Life (Daily Collegian)
The seventh annual Lift for Life was held at Holuba Hall Friday as the Penn State football team helped raise money for the Kidney Cancer Association. Last year, more than $70,000 was raised.

Penn State’s Lift For Life Draws Family from Happy Valley, Oregon (Clearfield Progress)
When the Penn State football team takes to the field this afternoon at Holuba Hall, the team’s indoor practice facility, there won’t be nearly the same level of fanfare as a normal game day in Happy Valley despite the high level at which they’ll be competing.

Cancer Fundraising Unites Players with Family from Oregon (Altoona Mirror)
The coincidental connection is amazing, you could even say spooky. Definitely destined. It started with one of the worst words known to man - cancer - and continues with a collaborative, team effort that brought one family closer than it ever could have imagined to college football players who live 2,675 miles away.

Penn State’s "Lift For Life" Takes Charity to New Heights (Bleacher Report)
When names like, Bobby Engram, Lavar Arrington, Mike Reid, John Cappelletti, and Paul Posluszny are brought up, you know Penn State greats are being talked about.

Lions Raise over $81,000 for Charity (Daily Collegian)
While continually flipping an immense tractor tire across Holuba Hall, Jared Odrick and his grunts drew cheers from onlookers.

PHOTOS
Uplifting Athletes Lift For Life Slideshow (Perry County Times)
As much as I should have been in complete awe of just being around Penn State football players, I was even more impressed with how the players treated me when I informed them of my personal battle with cancer during 2008.

FOS GALLERY: Lift For Life 1 (Fight On State)
In this gallery, Harvey Levine focuses on returning players and the two freshmen who enrolled in January. Stay tuned for the second gallery, which will feature the recently arrived rookies and a few recruits.

Penn State Football Lift For Life (PennLive.com)
Posted by JOE HERMITT, The Patriot-News, Saturday July 11, 2009

Penn State Photo Gallery (Go PSU Sports)
2009 Lift For Life

Lions Subject to Heavy Workout for Worthy Cause (CDT)
Photos of players competing in various events during the Uplifting Athletes’ Lift For Life on Friday, July 10, 2009.

Lifting with a Cause (BWI)
Penn State’s annual Lift for Life brought out the fans, all for a good cause on Friday afternoon. Check out BWI photographer Logan Cramer III’s shots from the day of action.

Still Life: Lift For Life 2009 (Penn State Live)
Various scenes from the Lift For Life event.

Fan Submitted Photos (Picasa)
The 2009 Lift For Life event through the eyes of a Penn State fan.

Penn State Football Lifts For a Cure (Bleacher Report)
These guys were participating in a grueling competition of muscles and willpower, all in the name of raising money for the Kidney Cancer Association—and raising awareness of rare diseases.

VIDEO
7th Annual PSU Uplifting Athletes Lift For Life Set (Big Ten Network)
Members of the 2009 Nittany Lion football squad are set to participate in the fun-to-watch Uplifting Athletes "Lift For Life" event scheduled for Friday, July 10, from 2:00-7:00 p.m. at Holuba Hall.

2009 Lift For Life Preview (Fight On State)
FightOnState.com catches up with Penn State captains Sean Lee and Daryll Clark to talk about the event that raises money and awareness for the fight against kidney cancer.

Lift For Life - Penn State Football (WTAJ)
Penn State Quarterback Daryll Clark and Receiver Brett Brackett visited the WTAJ studios on Wednesday morning to help promote the upcoming "Lift for Life" event at Penn State.

Sean Lee Leads Slick Mick to the Title (PennLive)
Slick Mick and the Magic Trix, made up of Sean Lee, Navarro Bowman, Mickey Shuler and Josh Hull, stormed through the eleven stage course to win the 7th annual Lift for Life held at Holuba Hall.

Nittany Lions Hit the Iron with Lift For Life (WTZJ)
The Penn State Nittany Lions continued the countdown to the new college football season by putting on a show for the fans in their annual Lift for Life event Friday afternoon at Holuba Hall.

Nittany Lions Pump Iron to Raise Money to Fight Kidney Cancer (GoPSF)
Lift For Life 2009 - Action footage and interviews with the winning team.

Penn State Football (GoPSUsports)
Lift For Life 2009 - Action footage and interviews with Dennis Landolt, Evan Royster, Sean Lee and Ollie Ogbu.

OTHER
Twitter
Have a Twitter account? Follow what people are saying (including Jay Paterno and Jordan Norwood) about Uplifting Athletes and Lift For Life!

07/10/2009

Boston College Uplifting Athletes to Host Charitable Event to Benefit Ewings Sarcoma

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 20:13:12 GMT

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.

07/06/2009

Seventh Annual Penn State Uplifting Athletes "Lift For Life" Set for July 10

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:38:13 GMT

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Members of the 2009 Nittany Lion football squad are set to participate in the fun-to-watch Uplifting Athletes “Lift For Life” event scheduled for Friday, July 10, from 2:00-7:00 p.m. at Holuba Hall. Last year, more than 90 Penn State football players tested their strength and endurance in this 11 exercise competition that raised more than $70,000 for the Kidney Cancer Association.

“Lift For Life” is open to the public with a suggested donation of $5 per student or child and $10 per adult. Donations can also be made in advance and credited to your favorite player’s fundraising total by visiting www.upliftingathletes.org. Fans will have a chance to meet and get autographs from current and former members of the Penn State Football team. Exciting improvements to this year’s event include a “fun zone” with kids’ games, a silent auction and onsite credit card processing.

Uplifting Athletes events are organized by current football student-athletes. The Penn State Football chapter of Uplifting Athletes is run by members are on the Penn State football team including officers Brett Brackett, Jesse Alfreno, Patrick Mauti and Ryan Gmerek, as well as Brennan Coakley, Mike Farrell, Josh Matzkin and Matt Stankiewitch. More than $300,000 has been raised to benefit the Kidney Cancer Association in the first six years of the “Lift For Life” event. The group is looking to continue their success with this year’s edition. Other events hosted by the Penn State chapter include the intercollegiate College Football Video Game Challenge (vs. the Maryland Football Chapter of Uplifting Athletes), Blue and White Game carnival activities and a fall donor appreciation luncheon.

"Uplifting Athletes is a group of Penn State football players working together in an attempt to raise awareness and funds for rare diseases," said Brackett, the Penn State chapter’s president. "These rare diseases affect fewer than 200,000 Americans and consequently little attention is paid to them. As college football student-athletes, we believe we are in a position to make a difference. Lift for Life is one way a small group of people can make a big impact on the lives of others."

Holuba Hall is located directly across from the East Area Locker Room and adjacent to the Lasch Football Building. Uplifting Athletes has worked hard to accommodate the growing number of fans who attend this annual event, including a more fan friendly set-up for “Lift For Life.” The members of the football team will be put through 11 grueling physical tasks such as bench press, leg press, and less conventional events such as the tire flip and the iron cross. This event will be a test of strength and endurance as well as mental toughness.

Founded by Penn State Football teammates in 2003, “Lift For Life” continues to build awareness and raise funds for the Kidney Cancer Association. Uplifting Athletes is 501(c)3 national nonprofit organization that aligns college football with rare diseases and raises them as a national priority through outreach, research, education and advocacy. For more information about Penn State Football Uplifting Athletes or to make a tax-deductible contribution, please visit www.upliftingathletes.org or contact Deloris Brobeck at 814-865-1946 during normal business hours.

06/30/2009

UPDATE PSU Player Fundraising Pages Now Live!

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:50:47 GMT

The 7th Annual Lift For Life event is just a few short weeks away. Support rare disease research by helping your favorite player reach his fundraising goal!

06/12/2009

NFL Draft Prospects Donate Autographed Cleats for Uplifting Athletes Charity Auction

Sat, 25 Apr 2009 23:44:46 GMT

*UPDATE* The auction is now live. BID NOW!

State College, PA - After losing both her mother and her aunt to kidney cancer, Lisa Komidar contacted Scott Shirley, a former Penn State football student-athlete whose family had also been touched by this rare disease.

Komidar thanked Shirley for his support and for sharing his personal experiences through a nonprofit organization called Uplifting Athletes. She shared with him that she found comfort in knowing that someone had traveled this lonely path before her. In short: she no longer felt alone because she had walked a mile in Shirley’s shoes.

From these words, a new fund-raising opportunity was born.

Several Big Ten football players from Penn State and Ohio State who are entering the 2009 NFL draft are donating an autographed pair of their game worn cleats to be auctioned off on eBay. Those pledging to donate shoes include:

Jordan Norwood (WR), Tyrell Sales (LB), Mark Rubin (S), Josh Gaines (DE), Gerald Cadogan (OT) and Kevin Kelly (K) from Penn State;
Marcus Freeman (LB), Malcolm Jenkins (CB) and Curtis Terry (LB) from Ohio State.

The items will be available for auction on eBay starting the first day of the NFL Draft, April 25, 2009, and will continue throughout the week. All proceeds will go directly to Uplifting Athletes—a nonprofit organization led by college football student-athletes with the desire to help raise awareness and funds for rare diseases.

Uplifting Athletes started in 2003 when Scott Shirley was a member of the Penn State Nittany Lions football team. Shirley’s father was diagnosed with kidney cancer and his family learned that little could be done because it was a “rare disease.” Kidney cancer affects fewer than 200,000 Americans, which provides little financial incentive to make and market new treatments.

Since 2003, the PSU and OSU Football chapters of Uplifting Athletes has raised over $300,000 to benefit kidney cancer and has grown into an expanding network of university chapters within select major football programs. Each chapter is run by current football student-athletes and benefits a rare disease that is relevant to their own team. And each is responsible for planning and hosting special events to make their chosen rare disease newsworthy. For more information on Uplifting Athletes, please visit http://www.upliftingathletes.org

04/03/2009

Athletes with a Mission: Uplifting Athletes raise money to cure rare diseases.

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 21:22:17 GMT

Uplifting Athletes featured on Guideposts.com. Story by Sarah Beldo.

03/30/2009

Colgate Football Uplifting Athletes to Benefit Ehlers-Danlos National Foundation

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 21:08:29 GMT

March 7, 2009

Hamilton, NY - The Colgate football team will hold its second annual Lift For Life event on Saturday, March 7 at the Sanford Field House at 6 p.m. The Colgate Chapter of Uplifting Athletes has adopted Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) as their rare disease. EDS is a group of inherited disorders that affect your connective tissues – primarily your skin, joints and blood vessel walls.

“Uplifting Athletes has been a great opportunity for us to leverage our abilities as college football student-athletes to make a positive and lasting impact,” said Greg Hadley, chapter president at Colgate. “By choosing to benefit the Ehlers-Danlos National Foundation, we are able to make the rare disease cause relevant to our team and make a significant impact with our efforts.”

“It means the world to me and my family that the team would pick a disease that benefits my sister’s disease,” said Meyers, a senior quarterback. “It just shows you that a football team is truly a family, looking out for one another through the thick and the thin.”

The event will feature Colgate football players competing in lifting and skills competition. Colgate fans will have a chance to meet the players with an autograph session after the competition. For more information or to make a donation, please visit www.upliftingathletes.org.

03/07/2009

Penn State and Maryland Football Players Compete to Raise Awareness for Rare Diseases

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 21:24:23 GMT

February 28, 2009

State College, PA & College Park, MD - The Penn State and Maryland chapters of Uplifting Athletes hosted an intercollegiate college football video game tournament to raise awareness for rare diseases. "Our main objective today," said Obi Egekeze, chapter president at Maryland, "was to get this off the ground and to raise some awareness about cystic fibrosis as a rare disease." The efforts by the Penn State chapter benefitted kidney cancer as their designated rare disease.

"There is no question that this event helped advance our mission today," said Brett Brackett, chapter president at Penn State. "To engage our teammates and the media the way that we have with this event, and to use that as an opportunity to raise awareness for a rare disease we are passionate about, it’s really a great experience." Something that makes Uplifting Athletes unique is that the chapters are run by current football student-athletes, providing them with opportunities gain practical job skills.

The tournament started with sixteen current football student-athletes from each school playing against their teammates in “NCAA FOOTBALL 09” at a restaurant near their respective campuses. The event was open to the public, providing local fans a chance to interact with, and even play against, some of their favorite players.

Maryland tight end Drew Gloster and Penn State defensive tackle Devon Still won their intersquad championship games for the rights to face each other in the first intercollegiate match-up of its kind. Connecting the two locations via an internet connection XBOX Live and Skype, Penn State beat Maryland 29-14, crowning Still as the 2009 intercollegiate champion.

Both chapters of Uplifting Athletes are still accepting donations to benefit their rare disease. Please visit www.upliftingathletes.org for more information.

02/28/2009

Mechanicsburg High School Raises Over $10,000 for Rare Disease Research

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 21:24:55 GMT

Ferbruary 28, 2009

Mechanicsburg, PA - Students, faculty and staff from Mechanicsburg High School continued a tradition in memory of their beloved teacher and coach, Don Shirley, who lost his battle with kidney cancer in 2005. Over 100 high school students from four local school districts competed in a physical challenge that tested their strength and endurance. The fundraising event was created in 2004 by Coach Shirley to support the efforts of Penn State Uplifting Athletes to benefit the Kidney Cancer Association. “It’s heartwarming to see so many wonderful people engaged in activities that help raise rare diseases as a national priority,” added Scott Shirley, executive director of Uplifting Athletes, Inc. “The memory of my father is very much alive here today.” The winning men’s team included Mike Poplaski, Nick Cremo, James Onofry and Drew Batoha. The winning woman’s team included Jodie Zelenky, Ali Matisse, Payge Alexander and Payden Pennant. Both teams were representing Mechanicsburg High School. This year’s event raised over $10,000, bringing their five year total to more than $50,000.

02/28/2009

Hershey Bears Raise Awareness with Rare Disease Night

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 21:06:32 GMT

February 28, 2009

Hershey, PA - Joining millions worldwide, the Hershey Bears helped raise awareness for the important needs of the rare disease community through a “Rare Disease Night” during their game against the Norfolk Admirals. The game provided a unique opportunity for the rare disease community to come together by offering discounted tickets and special priced food to anyone who has been affected by a rare disease. Local chapters of different rare disease patient groups, including Alzheimer’s, cystic fibrosis, leukemia and lymphoma, sickle cell, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy, all participated in this special event. The game featured special promotions like the sale of light blue wristbands and entertainment such as rare disease trivia questions to help educate the sold out crowd about the challenges faced by rare disease patients. The Hershey Bears used a late rally to beat the Norfolk Admirals 6-4.

02/28/2009

Official Color of Rare Diseases Announced

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 21:25:29 GMT

February 27, 2009

Camp Hill, PA - During the ribbon cutting ceremony to dedicate donated office space in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, as their new national headquarters, Uplifting Athletes announced light blue as the official color of the rare disease cause. The color was selected after extensive research indicated that various shades of blue are the most common colors chosen to represent different rare diseases (e.g., ALS, Huntington’s, esophageal cancer, etc.). “In traditional color theory,” board member David Wozniak explained, “light blue is commonly associated unity, which we felt was appropriate since the rare disease cause is inclusive of more than 7,000 different diseases.” Uplifting Athletes has provided its university chapters and strategic partners, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Rare Diseases, with light blue wristbands to distribute to people affected by rare diseases. Light blue wristbands can also be purchased to support the rare disease cause at www.upliftingathletes.org.

02/27/2009

Inaugural Rare Disease Champion Recognized

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 21:26:09 GMT

February 27, 2009

Waco, TX - Uplifting Athletes, Inc. recognized the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) as the inaugural “Rare Disease Champion.” This honor will be presented annually as part of “Global Rare Disease Day” to recognize a leader in sports who has realized their potential to make a positive and lasting impact on the rare disease community. The AFCA was selected as the inaugural honoree for their nationwide effort to raise awareness about Duchenne muscular dystrophy through a one-day event called “Coach to Cure MD.”

02/27/2009

Federal Legislation to Help Children with Rare Diseases is Reintroduced in the Senate

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 21:18:25 GMT

February 10, 2009

Washington, DC - Uplifting Athletes Director of Advocacy, Lori Todaro, has worked with U.S. Senators Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.) to reintroduce NINO’S ACT (Senate Bill #406). This Legislation has the potential to help thousands of children fighting a rare disease by ensuring continuous access to successful treatments as they transition out of research studies at National Institutes of Health (NIH). The objective is for the cost of the treatment to be covered under Medicaid if the child’s insurance carrier does not recognize the off label use prior to FDA approval.

NINO’S ACT was inspired by a little boy named Nino Todaro from Newville, Pennsylvania. The devastating symptoms from his Undifferentiated Auto-Inflammatory Periodic Fever Syndrome were successfully managed with experimental drugs during his participation in a study at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Unfortunately, he faced a recurrence of the disease upon the study's completion when his insurance carrier did not initially cover the cost of treatment.

“Courageous children who sacrifice themselves in hopes of one day finding cures through clinical trials at NIH should have continuous access to the successful treatments they helped researchers find,” explained Lori Todaro. More than 4,000 people representing all 50 states have signed a petition in support of NINO’S ACT. The Legislation currently sits in the Senate Finance Committee. For more information, please visit www.upliftingathletes.org.

02/10/2009

News from Uplifting Athletes, Inc.

Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community a Huge Success

Welcome Back! Boston College Uplifting Athletes Going Strong.

Uplifting Athletes joins Digital Revolution!

Raiders Have Uplifting Start to Spring Football Campaign

AmeriChoice Charity Golf Classic to Benefit Uplifting Athletes

Rare Disease Advocates Visit DC for Rare Disease Day

Hershey Bears help Uplifting Athletes Face off Against Rare Diseases

Join "Team UA" for the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community on May 22!

Reach out on Feb. 28 for Rare Disease Day 2010

Herzlich Named Disney Spirit Award Recipient

Join or Support "Team UA" in the Coaches vs. Cancer 5k on April 17th!

Hoos for Herzlich: UVa Students launch fundraiser in honor of ACC student-athlete

Hey ACC Fans! Click HERE to support Boston College Uplifting Athletes!

Thanks to BC Uplifting Athletes...SUPPORT for Ewing's Sarcoma (and other Rare Diseases) is Contagious!

OSU Uplifting Athletes in the news!

"Lift For Life" to Support Herzlich (ESPN.com)

Chris Fox visits Fox 25 in Boston to talk about their upcoming "Lift For Life"

Boston College Uplifting Athletes "Lift For Life" Set for July 30

Second Annual Uplifting Athletes Charity Video Game Challenge organized by Ohio State Football Players

Uplifting Athletes "College Colors Day" 2009

Penn State Uplifting Athletes raise $85,465 (and counting) at Lift For Life!

Boston College Uplifting Athletes to Host Charitable Event to Benefit Ewings Sarcoma

Seventh Annual Penn State Uplifting Athletes "Lift For Life" Set for July 10

*UPDATE* PSU Player Fundraising Pages Now Live!

NFL Draft Prospects Donate Autographed Cleats for Uplifting Athletes Charity Auction

Athletes with a Mission: Uplifting Athletes raise money to cure rare diseases.

Colgate Football Uplifting Athletes to Benefit Ehlers-Danlos National Foundation

Penn State and Maryland Football Players Compete to Raise Awareness for Rare Diseases

Mechanicsburg High School Raises Over $10,000 for Rare Disease Research

Hershey Bears Raise Awareness with Rare Disease Night

Official Color of Rare Diseases Announced

Inaugural Rare Disease Champion Recognized

Federal Legislation to Help Children with Rare Diseases is Reintroduced in the Senate

Boston College Uplifting Athletes to Host Charitable Event to Benefit Ewings Sarcoma

UPDATE PSU Player Fundraising Pages Now Live!

Athletes with a Mission: Uplifting Athletes raise money to cure rare diseases.

Hershey Bears Raise Awareness with Rare Disease Night