Athletes Making an Impact Beyond the Game
Turning the power of sport into hope for the 30 million Americans living with a rare disease.
Powered by Uplifting Athletes.
Harness the Power of Sport
Uplifting Athletes invests in the lives of people impacted by rare disease—so everyone has hope for the future. We believe athletes have a unique platform to create meaningful change, bringing visibility and resources to communities that need them most.
Through dedication, teamwork, and heart, we transform athletic excellence into lasting impact for families facing rare disease challenges every single day.
The Rare Disease Challenge
Uplifting Athletes engages athletes at all levels to support the needs of people impacted by rare diseases for Today, Tomorrow and The Future. Our three-pillar approach ensures comprehensive support across every stage of the rare disease journey.
200K
Rare Disease Threshold
Any disease affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the U.S. is considered rare
7K
Total Rare Diseases
Approximately 7,000 rare diseases exist worldwide
30M
Americans Affected
Almost 1 in 10 Americans have rare diseases
90%
Without Treatment
More than 90% of rare diseases lack FDA-approved treatments
Make an Impact for Today
Funds generated through Team UA help power Uplifting Experiences where we connect families with local Division 1 and Pro athletes through meaningful events that bring joy and connection directly to rare disease families Today and create memories lasting a lifetime.
These moments matter. They remind families they're not alone, that champions stand beside them, and that their fight is seen, valued, and supported by athletes who care deeply.
"Team UA showed me that greatness isn't just measured in wins, it's measured in how you lift others."
—Hayden Kish, Team UA Chapter leader, Florida Krush
Impact lives now. Be a playmaker.
Fuel Research for Tomorrow
Team UA powers the Young Investigator Draft, funding early-career scientists chasing breakthroughs for Tomorrow for 10,000+ rare diseases that affect millions of families worldwide.
$1.2M
Seed Grants Awarded
64
Young Investigators Drafted
40+
Disease Specific Partners
Invest in cures before they exist.
Develop Leaders for the Future
Athletes are more than competitors—they're advocates, role models, and changemakers. Team UA builds servant leaders for the Future who use their voice, effort, and influence to create positive impact far beyond the playing field.
Amplify Your Voice
Speak up for those who need advocates
Give Your Effort
Turn every rep into meaningful action
Use Your Influence
Inspire others to join the movement
Lead with purpose.
Your Team. Your Season. Your Impact.
Team UA gives athletes the chance to turn their sport into a force for good—raising awareness and funds for the rare disease community while building leadership skills that last far beyond your playing days.
Whether you're a freshman or a senior, a starter or a reserve, every athlete has the power to make a difference. Your platform matters. Your effort counts.
Your voice can change lives.
Join the Movement – Your Way
Choose the fundraising approach that fits your team, your sport, and your season. Every effort counts. Every athlete matters.
1
Lift for Life
Turn your workout into an impact event. Challenge your team to lift for reps, and rally supporters to pledge per pound or per rep. Every set builds strength—and hope.
2
Performance Pledges
Raise funds per stat or milestone. Strikeouts, goals, tackles, points—let your performance on the field drive donations that fuel rare disease research and support.
3
Team Challenges
Compete for a cause. Set team goals, challenge rival squads, or create bracket-style tournaments where the real winner is the rare disease community.
4
Races & Rides
Move for rare. Whether it's a 5K, cycling event, or distance challenge, get your teammates and community moving together to support families facing rare diseases.
Ready to Make an Impact?
Start your Team UA campaign today. Use your sport, your season, your story—to change lives and create hope for the rare disease community.
Join Team UA →