News Headline:
Eastern Illinois Football Players Launch Touchdown and Turnover Pledge Drive to Support Rare Disease Research
Eastern Illinois University (EIU) football players Kaelin Drakeford and Brandon Guido are making headlines off the field with their recent partnership with Uplifting Athletes for a powerful cause. During their final home game of the 2023 season, the dynamic duo initiated a unique fundraising campaign—the Touchdown and Turnover Pledge Drive—to support rare disease research and make a meaningful difference beyond football.
As part of this heartfelt initiative, fans and supporters were encouraged to pledge monetary donations for every touchdown and turnover recorded by the Panthers during the game. The goal was not only to raise at least $1,000 for rare disease research, but also to shine a spotlight on the thousands of individuals and families impacted by rare diseases across the country.
Uplifting Athletes, a national nonprofit that leverages the platform of college athletics to inspire the rare disease community with hope through education, awareness, and fundraising, provided the foundation for the pledge drive. By aligning sports with purpose, this initiative showcased the power of student-athletes to create positive change in society.
Both Drakeford and Guido expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to give back, stating that using their platform for a greater cause was one of the most rewarding experiences of their collegiate careers. “Being able to contribute to something bigger than ourselves, especially through the sport we love, is truly special,” they shared.
The Touchdown and Turnover Pledge Drive is a shining example of how college sports programs, like Eastern Illinois Football, can foster community impact and drive awareness for critical issues like rare disease research. The initiative not only brought Panther fans together for an exciting game but also united them around a cause that touches countless lives nationwide.