April 18, 2011

EVANSTON, Ill. -- In an effort to raise funds for the Ara Parseghian Medical Research Foundation, the Northwestern chapter of Uplifting Athletes is hosting its first Lift for Life event at 6 p.m. Friday, July 22, at Ryan Field. Former Northwestern head football coach Ara Parseghian began the research foundation in 1994 to help find a cure for Neimann-Pick Disease Type C, or NP-C, which has afflicted three of his grandchildren.

Fans and residents are encouraged to come out to Ryan Field on July 22 to watch Northwestern football players compete in various strength, speed and agility events. This will be an interactive event with food and a meet and greet with the participating players.

Northwestern football formed a chapter of the national Uplifting Athletes organization in October of 2010 with the goal of using college football as a platform to raise awareness and funds to help cure rare diseases. There currently are nine universities with student-athlete led chapters across the country that dedicate efforts toward various disease foundations.

NU's disease, NP-C, is a rare genetic, neurodegenerative disorder that mainly affects young children and usually is fatal by adolescence. Currently there is no cure or approved treatment for the disease, which causes progressive deterioration of the nervous system.

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