'Bigger than us': FAMU football hosts 'Lift for Life' to raise rare disease awareness
Florida A&M football players typically hit the weight room to get bigger, faster, and stronger than their opponents.
However, the Rattlers pumped the iron on Friday for a different cause.
FAMU football, partnered with Uplifting Athletes, hosted a ‘Lift for Life’ event in the Galimore-Powell Fieldhouse to raise awareness and money for the community impacted by rare diseases.
Alongside Uplifting Athletes, FAMU offensive lineman Jalen Goss spearheaded Lift for Life’s event planning on the Rattlers’ behalf.
“I felt that it was important for my team and me to come together for something bigger than us,” said Goss, also a FAMU graduate student.
“It shows we can use our platform for bigger, better, and helping out. Everyone was so hyped about what we were doing. That was my main idea ― I just wanted to do something for my teammates and the community at the same time.
“We got a workout in while being able to do this. So, why not?”
Uplifting Athletes is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2003 by former Penn State football player Scott Shirley to honor his father, Don, who passed away from kidney cancer.
Lift for Life began as a Penn State football weightlifting competition to raise money for the Shirley family. It has now extended to colleges nationwide.
Uplifting Athletes has raised over $8 million. All of the proceeds go towards the community impacted by rare diseases.
“The big problem with rare diseases is that 95 percent of them do not have access to an FDA-approved treatment. So, we’re trying to do our part there to make a difference,” said Andrea Pierson, Uplifting Athletes’ Chapter Success Manager.
“By working with student-athletes, they have a platform they can use to make a difference. And students like Jalen choose to do well with that. It seems small to attach to their normal workout, but it makes a huge difference for the people that need it the most.”
Florida State is a legacy chapter of Uplifting Athletes. Goss, a former Seminoles football player, learned of Uplifting Athletes while at FSU.
Goss, who transferred to FAMU in 2022, contacted Uplifting Athletes about bringing Lift for Life to The Highest of Seven Hills this summer.
The Rattlers were able to streamline their offseason workout program with Director of Sports Performance Cole Forney with the Lift for Life event.
“I’m proud of Jalen for doing this,” Forney said. “It’s a win-win for everybody. It’s a good cause and shows our guys’ true character. Our student-athletes want to help out when they get a chance. And they got an opportunity to do that.
“Hopefully, it raises a lot of money for a good cause.”
FAMU football becomes first HBCU to host Uplifting Athletes' Lift for Life
Uplifting Athletes works with about 30 schools, Pierson says.
Of those 30, FAMU is the only active Florida school working alongside Uplifting Athletes.
Additionally, FAMU is the first HBCU program to host a Lift for Life event.
“I’m excited to work with an HBCU and see where it goes. Everyone here has been so welcoming and great to our organization,” Pierson said. “We can impact this area, see it grow here, and work with more sports.”
Goss, a proud Rattler, said, “FAMU is first. We’re number one at everything. So, why not stay on top?”
However, Goss also advocates for more HBCUs to join FAMU’s mission of helping Uplifting Athletes raise awareness and money for rare disease research.
“I want to see other schools and athletic programs at HBCUs join,” Goss said. “I hope they can help be a part of this and use their brand to help others.”
FAMU football and Uplifting Athletes are actively raising money with a $3,000 goal by July 18. The link to donate is https://charity.pledgeit.org/famufblfl24.
Florida A&M Rattlers 2024 Football Schedule
Aug. 24 vs. Norfolk State in MEAC/SWAC Challenge, Atlanta* at 7:30 p.m., ABC
Aug. 31 vs. South Carolina State, 6 p.m., ESPN+
Sept. 7 at Miami, 6 p.m., ACC Network
Sept. 21 at Troy, 7 p.m. Eastern Time, ESPN+
Sept. 28 vs. Alabama A&M, 6 p.m., ESPN+
Oct. 5 at Alabama State, 3 p.m. Eastern Time, ESPN+
Oct. 19 at Jackson State, 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time, ESPN Network
Oct. 26 vs. Southern, 7 p.m., ESPN Network
Nov. 2 vs. Texas Southern (HOMECOMING), 4 p.m., ESPN+
Nov. 9 at Prairie View A&M, 3 p.m. Eastern Time, ESPN+
Nov. 16 vs. Mississippi Valley State, 1 p.m., HBCU GO
Nov. 23 vs. Bethune-Cookman in Florida Classic, Orlando*, 3:30 p.m., ESPN Network
Nov. 30: FCS Playoffs Begin
Dec. 7: SWAC Championship, LOCATION/TEAMS TBA, ESPN2
Dec. 14: Celebration Bowl, Atlanta*, TEAMS TBA, 12 p.m., ABC
BOLD = SWAC
* = Neutral Site
Gerald Thomas, III covers Florida A&M University Athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at gdthomas@tallahassee.com or on the app formerly known as Twitter @3peatgee.
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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida A&M football teams with Uplifting Athletes for 'Lift for Life'
