Uplifting Experiences

Student-athlete leaders from Uplifting Athletes chapters visit local hospitals to inspire patients with hope. We also participate in the NIH Rare Disease Day every February.

An important part of the Notre Dame Chapter heritage is the annual bowling event the Fighting Irish started in 2014.

In June 2019, the Notre Dame Chapter used its event at the Strikes & Spares Event Center in Mishawaka, Indiana to host an Uplifting Experience for rare disease patients, families and caregivers.

More than 100 people – the largest attendance in the six-year history of the ND Chapter bowling event - packed the lanes for two hours of fun and inspiration.

“This was way bigger than anything we’ve ever had. It has been awesome to see how this event has grown and the impact the patients and football players have on each other,” said Uplifting Athletes Executive Director Rob Long, who attended the event Sunday morning.

“More than 30 Notre Dame football players showed up and they did a phenomenal job. There were more than 70 patients, siblings and caregivers The bowling alley staff did a phenomenal job. This is a community business giving back by donating their facility to make this possible. We are so proud of what this Uplifting Experience has become.”