There’s an exciting draft coming soon to the home of the Philadelphia Eagles, Lincoln Financial Field. But this one isn’t for elite athletic talent.
On February 4, Uplifting Athletes (UA), a nonprofit dedicated to rare disease research, is “drafting” 10 scientists from across the country to conduct potentially life-changing research on behalf of rare disease patient advocacy organizations. CSL Behring, a global biotech that makes medicines for rare and serious diseases, is again the presenting sponsor for the Young Investigators Draft, which showers early-career scientists with fanfare usually reserved for pro athletes.
The high-energy event includes a stadium tour and will be hosted by former NFL linebacker Cam Lynch, who will introduce this year’s draft class. Each recipient of the Young Investigators Draft receives a $20,000-dollar grant thanks to patient groups and Uplifting Athlete’s active network of college athletes. The student athletes run local events, such as Lift for Life and Reps for Rare Diseases, that test their strength and fitness while drawing attention to the rare disease cause.
Uplifting Athletes this week announced the 2023 grant recipients, who represent a variety of research institutions and a variety of rare diseases. One of the winners, a Mayo Clinic researcher, is investigating Erdheim-Chester Disease, a rare cancer. Another, from Weill Cornell Medical College, is trying to better understand Friedreich’s Ataxia, a neurogenerative disorder that typically begins when children are between 10 and 15.
"These individuals stand to make a profound impact on the 30 million Americans impacted by a rare disease,” Uplifting Athletes Executive Director Rob Long said in a news release. “We are thrilled to celebrate these scientists with the same spirit and fanfare that elite athletes receive. The college and pro athletes who join us every year in this effort love sharing the stage with these deserving researchers who represent so much promise for the future."
Buy tickets for the Young Investigator Draft at Lincoln Financial
These scientists will receive 2023 grants:
Researcher: Jithma Prasad Abeykoon, M.D.
Category of Research: Rare Cancers, Rare Blood Disorders
Institution: Mayo Clinic, Minnesota
Nominated by: Erdheim-Chester Disease Global Alliance
Researcher: Zain Awamleh, Ph.D.
Category of Research: Rare Genetic Disorders
Institution: The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
Nominated by: TBRS Community
Researcher: Steven Baker, M.D., Ph.D.
Category of Research: Rare Muscular and Neurological Diseases, Rare Genetic Disorders
Institution: University of Utah
Nominated by: Association for Creatine Deficiencies
Researcher: Kelly Crowe, Ph.D.
Category of Research: Rare Muscular and Neurological Diseases
Institution: Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio
Nominated by: Neuromuscular Disease Foundation
Researcher: Alex Felix, Ph.D.
Category of Research: Rare Muscular and Neurological Diseases, Rare Genetic Disorders
Institution: Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
Nominated by: STXBP1 Foundation
Researcher: Nishanthi Mathiyalagan, Ph.D.
Category of Research: Rare Muscular and Neurological Diseases, Rare Genetic Disorders
Institution: Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts
Nominated by: TANGO2 Research Foundation
Researcher: Melanie Mumau, Ph.D.
Category of Research: Rare Autoimmune Diseases, Rare Blood Disorders, Rare Cancers
Institution: Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
Nominated by: Castleman Disease Collaborative Network
Researcher: Riley Perszyk, Ph.D.
Category of Research: Rare Genetic Disorders
Institution: Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia
Nominated by: GRIN2B Foundation
Researcher: Christopher Sande, M.D.
Category of Research: Rare Blood Disorders, Rare Genetic Disorders
Institution: Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
Nominated by: Team Telomere
Researcher: Anna Stepanova, Ph.D.
Category of Research: Rare Muscular and Neurological Diseases, Race Genetic Disorders
Institution: Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College in New York
Nominated by: The Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance
