The Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team is hoping to raise $18,000 for rare disease research during its second annual Lift for Life Friday.
The Lift for Life is the primary fundraising event of the Notre Dame chapter of Uplifting Athletes, which was created in 2012 by former Irish linebacker Joe Schmidt. Schmidt was inspired by the story of Sam Grewe, who overcame an osteosarcoma diagnosis and amputation of his right leg to become a Paralympic medalist and Notre Dame student.
“It is an honor to be able to use our platform to help raise awareness and support Uplifting Athletes and the Rare Disease Community,” said Jimmy Thompson, a linebacker and Notre Dame chapter president, said in a news release.