DONATE HERE: give.upliftingathletes.org/fsulift2016
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida State chapter of Uplifting Athletes will hold its third annual Lift For Life event at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 27, inside the Albert J. Dunlap Athletic Training Facility.
The event has become a summer tradition for the Seminoles, who have raised nearly $20,000 combined over the last two years to benefit research and awareness for Fanconi anemia, the rare blood disease that affects FSU coach Jimbo Fisher’s son, Ethan.
The Seminoles’ chapter, founded in 2013 by former FSU tight end Kevin Haplea, donates all of its proceeds toward the fight against Fanconi anemia through the Kidz1stFund, the organization started by Jimbo and Candi Fisher in 2011.
Alec Eberle, a redshirt sophomore offensive lineman who took over FSU’s chapter of Uplifting Athletes following Haplea’s graduation, is once again coordinating the event.
“This year we plan on raising the most money yet for not only the Kidz 1st organization but Uplifting Athletes as a whole,” Eberle said. “It is our mission to make the biggest impact possible on our fight against rare diseases.”
This year’s Lift For Life will have a new twist. Instead of pitting offense against defense like in years past, the Seminoles will split into position groups and compete in various feats of strength and athleticism in hopes of raising the most funds.
Previous events have included flipping oversized tires, pushing oversized vans and trucks, and a giant game of tug-of-war.
Fans can support their favorite Seminoles by pledging a donation to their position group. The Seminoles have set a total fundraising goal of $5,000. Donations can be made at give.upliftingathletes.org/fsulift2016.
The event is open to the public, and fans are encouraged to attend and support the 2016 Florida State football team as it helps bring to life the vision of Uplifting Athletes: to empower people to take action against rare diseases and inspire the medical community to find cures.
The challenges faced by the rare disease community are bigger than any one individual, team or organization can tackle alone. The grassroots effort of the Florida State chapter, along with a nationwide network of teams, is uniquely positioned to educate and engage the local community and shine a spotlight on rare diseases.
"At FSU, we strive for chances to give back to the community,” Eberle said. “And this gives us a great chance to do so.”
