July 13, 2011

Video: Gilbert on Maryland's Lift for Life

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COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The Maryland Terrapins had an unusual opponent when they were on the football field Tuesday.

Instead of seeing another team across the line of scrimmage, the Terps were at the on-campus practice field to battle a rare disease.

Maryland's chapter of Uplifting Athletes, a national nonprofit organization, held its second annual `Lift for Life' event in order to raise money to fight cystic fibrosis, a deadly disease which affects near 30,000 Americans.

Almost the entire team participated in a number of strength and conditioning drills with donations totaling nearly $9,000 as of Wednesday, which is almost triple last year's output.

Funds will be donated to the Boomer Esiason Foundation which helps cystic fibrosis research.

Offensive linemen Andrew Gonnella and Justin Gilbert spearheaded organizing the one-hour event.

"(Former Terps) Travis Baltz and Obi Egekeze got involved with it, and last year we put on our first "Lift for Life" with Travis running it with help from Andrew Gonnella and myself," Gilbert said. "This year Andrew and I took over, and we've tried to make it bigger with more participation. And going forward we hope it will continue to grow and raise more money for cystic fibrosis."

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic rare disease that affects the lungs and digestive system by producing unusually thick mucus; the condition can clog the lungs and lead to a life-threatening lung infection and can obstruct the pancreas and stop natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food.

The disease is close to the hearts of the Terrapin family.

"We chose Cystic Fibrosis because (former quarterback) Boomer Esiason's son has it," Gilbert said. "Boomer is a big name at Maryland and a big part of the Maryland community, so this is a good way for us to give back and reach out."

Contributions can still be made on-line by clicking here.