Rob Long, a Chester Springs resident, is using his personal story as a brain cancer survivor and platform as an athlete to help others with rare diseases, writes Beccah Hendrickson for 6ABC. 

Long was the punter on the Syracuse University football team in 2010 and on the fast track to become a pro when he was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. 

His life changed in an instant. He started intensive treatment, including daily chemotherapy and radiation, that lasted for 14 months. 

While he was sick, his teammates launched on campus a chapter of Uplifting Athletes, a nonprofit that helps athletes leverage their platform to help those with rare diseases. 

In 2015, when his aunt passed away from cancer, Long joined Uplifting Athletes full time. Today, he serves as the nonprofit’s executive director. He recruits other athletes to the program and helps fund research through the various programs. 

“That’s the biggest thing for me: being able to take what I’ve been through, the worst days of my life and turn them into something positive for other people,” he said. 

Read more about Rob Long at 6ABC.