Making the Journey from All-American Athlete to Rare Disease Advocate

As a college student at Syracuse University, Rob Long was an All-American punter bound for the NFL. His plans took an unexpected turn, though, when he was diagnosed with a rare brain cancer during his senior year. Today, Long is director of strategic development for Uplifting Athletes, a nonprofit organization that raises awareness and funding for rare diseases through a network of college student athletes. We spoke to Long about his own rare disease journey, how he became involved with Uplifting Athletes, and the work of the organization.