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On Saturday, Florida State Seminoles fans will have an additional reason to cheer for as many touchdowns scored as possible — each one can help fund the fight against rare diseases.
In coordination with Uplifting Athletes, a college athletics-based charity that seeks to aid those fighting against rare diseases, wide receiver Keyshawn Helton and linebacker DeCalon Brooks are taking the lead on a touchdown pledge for this Saturday’s game, asking fans to donate for each score the Seminoles put up.
“The touchdown pledge drive is something that Florida State wants to participate in to raise awareness for rare disease research,” Brooks, who serves as the FSU chapter president, said in a press release. “During these unprecedented times it’s hard to come up with money for kids and adults that need the resources for their health and we want to do our part to help those in need.
“Serving the community is a big initiative for us and it’s something we don’t take for granted. We just want to use our platform to raise awareness towards this prominent issue.”
Head coach Mike Norvell spoke on the charitable action today, remarking that it’s a continuation of everything the team has done to enrich its community.
“That’s the thing I’ve enjoyed seeing a variety of our guys that have taken ownership and ability to find a leadership role with some of those different fundraising opportunities that can benefit others, and obviously utilize the influence and platform we have to continue to do well, to continue to serve, to continue to sacrifice.”
You can see the page for donations — and make one early — at pledgeit.org/fsutd20.
More information from the press release:
The Florida State Chapter of Uplifting Athletes will be holding a Touchdown Pledge Drive on Saturday, October 17th versus North Carolina to shine a spotlight on the Rare Disease Community.
Uplifting Athletes chapters are run by college football student-athletes. The challenges faced by the Rare Disease Community today are bigger than any one individual, team or organization can tackle alone. To create the change needed we all must rally together.
We all have the opportunity to provide hope and NOW is the time to take action!
Proceeds from the Florida State Chapter 2020 Touchdown Pledge Drive support Uplifting Athletes and its commitment to create Uplifting Leaders, engage in Uplifting Experiences, fund Rare Disease Research, and expand Rare Disease Awareness.
The Florida State Chapter started tackling rare diseases in 2013 when it joined Uplifting Athletes. Former FSU tight end Kevin Haplea started the Uplifting Athletes Chapter in Tallahassee. His inspiration came from former Seminoles head coach Jimbo Fisher and the battle one of his sons, Ethan, was enduring with the rare blood disorder Fanconi anemia.
Support the Florida State Chapter and its efforts to make a difference in the Rare Disease Community by signing up today for the 2020 Touchdown Pledge Drive.