In the world of professional sports, where grit, resilience, and determination reign supreme, an unexpected intersection emerges: the realm of rare disease. While rare diseases and sports are often perceived as disparate topics, they share an unspoken bond—a connection rooted in the very essence of perseverance.
The NFL highlights this connection through My Cause My Cleats, an annual initiative in which players can choose causes that are meaningful to them and wear their hearts, well, on their cleats. Players wear custom-designed cleats during Weeks 13 and 14 to heighten awareness around important issues and raise necessary funds for the organizations supporting these issues.
This year, several NFL players took a deliberate step beyond touchdowns and tackles to vividly exemplify the bond between rare disease and sports, aligning their cleats with a cause close to their hearts: Uplifting Athletes.
About Uplifting Athletes
Uplifting Athletes—a Patient Worthy partner—is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that harnesses the power of sport to build a community that invests in the lives of people impacted by rare diseases. The organization was founded in 2007 by Penn State University football player Scott Shirley, who sought to shine a light on the challenges faced by families with rare diseases like his own. Now, shares Uplifting Athletes:
We are a unified collective of next-generation talent including patients and their caregivers, allies, healthcare providers, researchers at all stages of their careers, and families who are experiencing bereavement or still in search of a diagnosis. We are planting seeds of hope for the future through initiatives that reinforce foundational research and educating emerging professionals from underrepresented backgrounds while serving those who need resources now with one-of-a-kind events.
My Cause My Cleats Support
Through the My Cause My Cleats initiative, Isaiah Foskey (New Orleans Saints DE), Nick Allegretti (Kansas City Chiefs OL), and Chris Stoll (Seattle Seahawks Long Snapper) became champions off the field, rallying behind Uplifting Athletes to illuminate the often-overlooked world of rare diseases. Their choice to support Uplifting Athletes speaks volumes about the depth of compassion and unwavering commitment to change within the sports community—and the need for continued rare disease awareness. With awareness, we spread hope.
When asked why they chose to catalyze rare disease awareness one cleat at a time, the players provided valuable insights into Uplifting Athletes and its amazing mission.
Isaiah Foskey, a Defensive End for the New Orleans Saints, explained:
“Uplifting Athletes is a great cause and a great community, and brings countless smiles to people battling tough circumstances with rare diseases.”
Nick Allegretti, offensive lineman for the Kansas City Chiefs, added:
“Uplifting Athletes is an incredible organization and incredible charity that raises funds and builds community around people with rare diseases. They deliver inspirational, once-in-a-lifetime experiences for people going through various battles with rare diseases.”
For example, Uplifting Athletes holds Uplifting Experiences, events through which members of the rare disease community and their family can connect with athletes. Uplifting Experiences are offered across the country and are completely free for those with rare conditions. You can head to the website to register and learn when Uplifting Experiences are offered in your area.
But Uplifting Athletes also offers much more than Uplifting Experiences. Chris Stoll, a Long Snapper for the Seattle Seahawks, shared:
“It’s important for athletes to participate in campaigns like My Cause My Cleats because we, as professional athletes, have a platform to benefit others in need. Wearing the cleats allows viewers and team followers to become aware of different causes. I chose to support Uplifting Athletes because it raises awareness for the rare disease community, which my grandfather was part of; he passed away a few years ago due to a rare form of dementia. With the great work that Uplifting Athletes does with their Lift for Life events at different colleges and the Young Investigator Draft, I want to help continue to raise awareness for the people and families affected by rare diseases.”
