East Montgomery Times

Jaye Gardiner, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow at Fox Chase Cancer Center, has been awarded a research grant from Uplifting Athletes. Gardiner is among 10 researchers recognized during the nonprofit's Young Investigators Draft.

“I’m very honored to receive this grant, which will help me continue and enhance my work,” said Gardiner. Her research focuses on the tumor microenvironment (TME) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. The TME is significant in tumor growth due to its role in maintaining an immunosuppressive environment.

Brett Brackett, President of Uplifting Athletes, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration with patient advocacy organizations. “It is an honor to partner with 10 patient advocacy organizations to advance rare disease research, and we are overjoyed to celebrate the 2025 Draft Class,” he stated.

Uplifting Athletes connects student-athletes and professional athletes with local rare disease communities across the nation. Their efforts aim to raise awareness and funds for rare diseases affecting about 1 in 10 Americans. Over $1 million in grants have been distributed through their programs.

The Young Investigator Draft takes inspiration from the NFL Draft but emphasizes recognizing young medical researchers specializing in rare diseases. It serves as one of Uplifting Athletes' initiatives to promote awareness and funding for conditions impacting approximately 30 million people in the United States.

An expert panel evaluates grant submissions for the Young Investigator Draft each year. Researchers are nominated by patient advocacy organizations partnered with Uplifting Athletes. The grants are co-funded by both Uplifting Athletes and the nominating organization; Gardiner was nominated by the Pancreatic Cancer Cure Foundation.