Uplifting Athletes

This month we’re honoring @Princeton Alum Kurt Holuba for his lifelong commitment to the rare disease community. From @PrincetonFTBL to today, Kurt proves that the mission to tackle rare never stops. #WeTackleRare

95% of rare diseases have no FDA-approved treatment. By funding 75+ Young Investigators with $1.4M+ in seed grants, we’re drafting the team that will find the cures of the future. #WeTackleRare

In 2010, an aggressive brain tumor diagnosis ended Rob Long’s NFL dreams, but it started a national mission. Today, as our Executive Director, Rob is "living proof" of why we must invest in the rare disease community and the research of tomorrow.

Across the country, we’re harnessing the power of sport to turn off-season sweat into life-saving research and unforgettable memories for rare disease families. Every rep, every rally, and every dollar raised is an investment in the "tomorrow" of rare disease medicine.

This is the power of our mission in action today. We partner with sports teams, athletes, and organizations to create uplifting experiences for families impacted by rare diseases. Together, we are building a team that ensures no one has to walk their journey alone.

100+ athletes. 3 coaches. $1,000+ raised. 1 mission. The Widener sports community showed up in a BIG way for rare diseases! From the student-athletes to families like Dominique’s, we’re proving that together, #WeTackleRare!

Did you know that over 90% of rare diseases still have no FDA-approved treatment? That’s a staggering gap, but it’s why we do what we do. Your donation is a direct investment in the “tomorrow” of rare disease medicine. Together, #WeTackleRare

Jack joined Uplifting Athletes after hearing the mission and realizing it was a chance to make a difference off the field. “What I learned is how impactful your role as a student-athlete is.” College athletes: want to make an impact? DM us.
 #WeTackleRare

At Uplifting Athletes, we harness the power of sport to build a community that invests in the lives of people impacted by rare diseases. But what does that look like in action? It looks like Jackson and Dom. #WeTackleRare

A huge thank you to Joe Spivak for giving our rare disease warriors the “best day ever” in Orlando! Joe, your energy is infectious, but your heart for this community is what truly shines. Next time you’re in the ring, we’re all in your corner! #WeTackleRare

Every rep tells a story. Every leader makes an impact. The 2026 Lift for Life season starts now! Follow along as these teams kick off the spring season and stay tuned to see which other teams will team up with Uplifting Athletes to create hope for the future. #WeTackleRare

Spend a day in San Diego with our Executive Director, @RobLong47, as he shares his journey—from patient to advocate—and speaks up for the 30 million Americans living with a rare disease. Behind every data point is a person, a family, and a story. And together, #WeTackleRare.

The power of a team is unstoppable. From creating unforgettable experiences today to funding the research for tomorrow’s breakthroughs, and developing future leaders, we are turning teamwork into hope. This #RareDiseaseDay, join the team—because together, #WeTackleRare!

30M Americans live with a rare disease; 27.5M have no FDA-approved treatment. Reps For Rare Diseases lets NFL Combine & Pro Day athletes turn reps into impact. 300+ prospects have already participated. Know a draft hopeful? Get them involved! 💪 #WeTackleRare

At Virginia Tech, Eric Gallo turned his Pro Day bench press into support for the rare disease community through Uplifting Athletes. “Doing the right thing because it’s the right thing. Helping those who need it most.” NFL Draft prospect? DM us to join Reps for Rare Diseases.

At Uplifting Athletes, we harness the power of sport to build a community that invests in the lives of people impacted by rare diseases.  These connections are the heartbeat of our mission. #WeTackleRare #UpliftingAthletes #MissionMoment

When the power of sport meets the heart of the community, everyone wins. Seeing D-1 student-athletes team up with rare disease families for a night at the bowling alley reminded us why we do what we do. #WeTackleRare, and we celebrate the incredible people behind the mission.

We’re proud to announce a new partnership between NEPSAC and Uplifting Athletes. Together, we’re uniting student-athletes across New England around leadership, service, and impact. Because how we play off the field defines who we become on it. #TeamUA #WeTackleRare

Huge congrats to Chris Stoll on winning SB LX with the Seattle Seahawks! Chris has been deeply rooted in Uplifting Athletes since day one. We are so grateful to have a champion who consistently uses his platform to support the rare disease community.  Enjoy the win, Chris!

Last weekend at Lincoln Financial Field, we honored 10 elite Young Investigators—the leading minds in science dedicated to tackling the 10,000+ known rare diseases. We harness the power of sport to ensure no family has to walk this path alone. #WeTackleRare