Every year Uplifting Athletes holds The Rare Disease Champion Award which is given to a leader in college football, individual, or organization, who has realized his or her potential to make a positive and lasting impact on the rare disease community.

Last year, the Uplifting Athletes Rare Disease Champion was decided by more than 76,000 voters nationwide. This year’s Rare Disease Champion trophy will be presented at the Maxwell Football Club’s nationally televised Awards Gala on March 1, 2013, in Atlantic City.

The finalist are either currently surviving a rare disese, raising money for a rare disease or advocating for others battling a rare disease. A rare disease is defined as one that affects fewer than 200,000 Americans.

To read about this year’s finalist and to vote for this year’s Rare Disease Champion click here