Redshirt
sophomore linebacker Neiron Ball (Jackson, Ga.) has been named one of
seven finalists for the Uplifting Athletes Rare Disease Champion Award,
announced by the organization on Monday.
Ball
returned to the field this season after being diagnosed with a rare condition
known as arteriorvenous malformation (AVM) in the spring of 2010. AVM is a
condition where blood vessels in the brain become tangled and rupture. Ball
underwent numerous surgeries and a lengthy recovery but overcame the odds as he
played in 11 games for the Gators in 2012, making two starts. He recorded 10
tackles, 0.5 sacks, an interception, pass breakup, two quarterback hits and
recovered two fumbles.
The
award is presented annually to recognize a leader in the world of college
football who has realized his or her potential to make a positive and lasting
impact on the rare disease community. More than 30-million Americans are
affected by rare diseases.
The
5th annual award winner will be determined by an online vote beginning Monday,
January 7th and ending January 31st at 11:59 p.m. EST. The 2013 Champion will
be announced February 1st. The winner will be presented the Rare Disease. To
read about each finalist’s personal story and connection to the rare disease
community, as well as to cast your vote for this year’s champion, log onto: www.upliftingathletes.org/vote.
