A Workout That Can Change The Future

Imagine a world where collegiate teams working out led to more than just conditioning skills. Where pushing past record bench press reps led to innovative medical therapies or tossing a medicine ball helped bring an underserved community closer together. This is what Uplifting Athletes’ signature fundraising event Lift for Life aims to do.

Annually, teams from across the country strategize, plan, promote, and execute a Lift for Life event which puts their skills and compassion to the test to support the rare disease community. East Tennessee State tight end Clayton Ivester said it best:

“Lift for Life is important because it gives athletes an opportunity to use their skills for the betterment of another person. I look forward to Lift for Life because of the impact I’ve seen it make in people's lives and the encouragement it provides to families affected by rare disease.”

Every chapter’s event looks slightly different, but the sentiment stays the same. Passion and compassion work together to raise awareness for a worthy cause. Uplifting Athletes newcomer and Elon Women’s Soccer defender Livvie McManes said:

“I feel like a lot of times as college athletes, we are completely consumed by our sport, school work, relationships, et cetera. When I heard of this organization, I thought it would be the perfect, fun way to get my team together to do something for the greater good!”

The community can help Uplifting Athletes and its chapter network work towards a brighter future. As Lift for Life events are updated throughout the spring semester, fans can leave notes of encouragement to their favorite teams when they make a donation to their campaigns leading up to and after each event.

For long-time supporters, our summer lift for life season will kick off with a special 20th anniversary Penn State Lift for Life on Thursday, June 22! More details will be available in the coming weeks for those interested in attending and cheering on the Nittany Lions.

Since the start of the Young Investigator Draft in 2018, Lift for Life has brought together 32 men's and women's teams to raise over $570,000 to invest in the lives of the rare disease community. All proceeds collected from Lift for Life support the mission of Uplifting Athletes including but not limited to rare disease research, rare disease awareness, Uplifting Experiences, and Uplifting Leaders.