But when Gannon joined the Penn State football family through Team IMPACT in 2024, something changed. He didn’t just gain a favorite team; he gained a brother. That brother is Penn State football student-athlete Cooper Cousins. 

From the moment they met, Cooper made sure Gannon knew he belonged. Whether they’re arriving together on the team bus or spending time with the Nittany Lions, Cooper has created a space where Gannon isn’t seen through the lens of hospital stays, treatments, or diagnoses. Instead, he’s welcomed as an essential part of the team. 

For Gannon’s family, that sense of belonging has been life changing. 

“Cooper Cousins, Penn State Nittany Lions’ football and Team IMPACT didn’t just give Gannon a team; they gave him a lifeline,” his family shared. “Cooper gave him brotherhood when the world felt isolated. Cooper gave him belonging when he was in the ICU and hospital rooms tried to make him feel different.” 

Their friendship extends far beyond football; it’s built on showing up, standing together, and making sure no one feels alone. 

“On that field, he isn’t the kid with fragile bones or on chemotherapy,” his family said. “He walks in proud off the team bus with Cooper and the entire team. He is a brother, he’s family. They fight for each other. They carry each other, and Cooper has never—not once—let Gannon stand alone.” 

That unwavering support has given Gannon something every child deserves, the confidence and security to simply be himself. 

Team IMPACT matches are about creating moments of joy, but they’re also about building relationships that endure life’s toughest battles. Cooper’s friendship reminds us that the greatest teammates aren’t measured by statistics or wins, but that they’re measured by the way they make others feel seen, valued, and loved. 

For Gannon, Cooper has become far more than a teammate; he’s a brother. 

And as Gannon’s family so perfectly put it, “This isn’t just football. This is love in its purest form.” 

The post Friendship Series: More Than a Friendship—a Lifeline – Gannon and Cooper, Penn State Football appeared first on Team IMPACT.

Arianna was matched with Kent State field hockey through Team IMPACT in 2025. Since then, she has become an integral part of the team.  Living with spina bifida, autism, and epilepsy, Arianna is nonverbal, but her joy speaks volumes whenever she is surrounded by the people who have become like family.

As soon as the team enters the field, her face lights up.

“Arianna is a nonverbal 12-year-old who is loved by her Kent State teammates,” her family shared. “She just lights up when she sees her teammates play; she may not know what is going on the field, but she knows her teammates are out there.”

For Ariana, it’s never been about understanding every play. It is about knowing she is a part of something bigger, a team that celebrates her, includes her, and makes sure she always has a place to belong.

That feeling starts with teammates like Lucy.

Lucy goes above and beyond to ensure Arianna feels welcomed every time she is around the team. Whether it is introducing her to new players, inviting her into team traditions, or simply making sure she is included in every gathering, Lucy has helped create an environment where Arianna is never on the outside looking in.

“Lucy makes sure that Arianna is welcome,” her family shared.

That sense of belonging is woven into every experience the pair shares.

Arianna proudly goes through spirit tunnels, celebrates alongside teammates, joins post-game press conferences, signs autographs, and smiles for team photos. She is present for team events, embraced in every celebration, and recognized as more than a guest, but a valued member of Kent State field hockey.

These are the moments where Team IMPACT’s mission shines through. Inclusion isn’t just inviting someone to attend; it is making sure they have a role, a voice, and a place where they are genuinely celebrated.

For Arianna, this looks like Lucy making room for her in photos, pulling up a chair at press conferences, taking the time to build connections and make introductions, and ensure that Arianna feels the same warmth from every teammate, not just Lucy.

While these acts may seem small, they have an extraordinary effect. They create confidence, they create joy, and most importantly, they create a place where Arianna knows she is loved.

Arianna and Lucy have shown that the strongest teams aren’t defined by what happens during competition, but they are defined by how they make every teammate feel.

And when everyone belongs, everyone wins.

The post Friendship Series: Each Other’s Light — Arianna and Lucy, Kent State Field Hockey appeared first on Team IMPACT.

The biggest difference maker in Sophie’s team experience? Her teammate Saylor. From the beginning, Saylor made Sophie feel like she was more than just attending team events but was a valued member of the program from the very start. Through small acts of kindness, steady encouragement, and genuine friendship, Saylor helped Sophie find confidence in herself.  

“I nominate Saylor for Teammate of the Year because she always helps me in the lockers, she makes me feel happy, excited, and special,” Sophie shared.  

While a small gesture such as helping in the locker room may be overlooked by some, it means the world to Sophie and her family. It is one example of countless small moments where Saylor has made sure that Sophie has a place and is welcomed fully.  

“Saylor Poffenbarger embodies what it means to be a true teammate,” Sophie’s family shared. “Her impact on Sophie isn’t limited to one special moment; she consistently shows up with genuine kindness, attention, and encouragement that make Sophie feel included and valued as part of the team.” 

What stands out most about Saylor’s friendship is its consistency. Saylor makes a difference in the little, everyday moments. She has built a friendship rooted in genuine kindness and care, checking in with Sophie, offering her encouragement, helping navigate activities, and simply spending time together.  

“Saylor has made you feel so seen and valued, not just on big game days, but in everyday little moments,” Sophie’s mother said to her.  

It is the impact of these moments that have transformed the way Sophie views herself. Over the past three years, Sophie’s confidence has grown tremendously. With Saylor’s support, she can step out onto the court with her teammates, embrace new experiences, build meaningful relationships, and develop a belief in herself that continues to grow.  

Sophie’s journey with Team IMPACT reflects the power of inclusion, friendship, and confidence from knowing that you are valued. The sense of belonging is one of the organization’s greatest gifts, and Saylor has made that a reality for Sophie. 

Being a teammate is not about how many points are on the scoreboard at the end of the game, but how you make people feel, how you work together, and how you navigate all of the small challenges that turn into big moments. The friendship between Sophie and Saylor is a reminder that some of the most impactful friendships happen quietly. They build in locker rooms, during conversations, and in simple moments where one chooses to show up for the other.  

Saylor does not just make Sophie feel like a part of the team; she gives Sophie the confidence of knowing that she is right where she is meant to be.  

And that feeling will stay with her long after the buzzer sounds.  

The post Friendship Series: “Happy, Excited, and Special” — Sophie and Saylor, Maryland Basketball  appeared first on Team IMPACT.

Last month, that same spirit of connection traveled to Washington, D.C., as Team IMPACT Fellows joined families and advocates from across the country for the Children’s Hospital Association’s (CHA)Family Advocacy Day (FAD). Together, they spent several days listening, learning, celebrating, and advocating for a future where every child has access to the care and support they deserve.

For our Fellows, FAD was much more than a trip to Capitol Hill. It was an opportunity to witness the resilience of children and families firsthand and better understand how advocacy can create meaningful change.

“Advocacy empowers,” said Sophia Meguid, University of Michigan Dance alumna and Team IMPACT Fellow who earned her spot as a CHA Fellow this summer. “FAD allows the voices of kids and families to fundamentally shape the future of pediatric healthcare in this country. By sharing their stories of hardship and triumph, more people are able to become allies. As Fellows, that is part of the reason it is so necessary to show up with a full heart and open mind.”

Throughout the event, Fellows listened as families shared their experiences navigating complex healthcare systems, balancing daily life with medical challenges, and advocating for the resources their children need to thrive. Those conversations stick with the Fellows—and hopefully lawmakers—long after FAD. “Participating in FAD is the culmination of everything you could hope for as a Team IMPACT Fellow,” said Anthony Hinton, former Duke football player and medical student. “Each year, we work tirelessly to help spread the word about Team Impact and engage our local hospitals, but FAD gives us the opportunity to address the root causes of some of the major challenges facing pediatric healthcare today. I am always grateful for the chance to help amplify the message of the families present, and in doing so, advocate for all of our matches across the country.”

“Having raw conversations with the kids and their families will leave a lasting impact on me. Hearing of their resilience and vitality through such difficult days while also gaining appreciation for their holistic identities—as students, real estate agents, bakers, musicians, you name it — was an honor,” Sophia reflected. “Whether we were playing card games or discussing the social determinants of health, the people at FAD were some of the best I have ever met.”

For some Fellows, the advocacy of this day was not only for the children but also advocacy on a personal level. “As a girl who was diagnosed with a chronic illness at 20 years old and spending a lot of my life being sick and not knowing what was wrong, I deeply empathize with these families,” said Maya Williams, who plays field hockey at Drexel University. “But for me, Team IMPACT is well beyond me. Days like FAD are important to families and Fellows because it allows us to put all of our resources together to make a true impact on peoples’ lives.”

For many Fellows pursuing careers in healthcare, the experience reinforced why patient-centered care matters. “I really think that these kids are impacting me more than I am impacting them,” said Stephen Michaels, a former Tufts football Fellow and a student at the Medical College of Georgia. “Getting the opportunity to see the power of great medicine reinforces my ‘why’ as a future physician and reminds me of the importance of compassionate, patient-centered care.“

“As a medical student, we talk a lot about ways to improve healthcare and interventions across different levels,” Anthony said. “FAD gives us the chance to make individual change by meeting so many wonderful families, but it also allows us to work towards the big, systems-level changes that can affect the future of healthcare.“

“Like the government representatives, we have a duty to learn from the kids and their families to think critically about our role in building a better future for everyone, not only through idealistic missions but through tangible actions,” Sophia said. “For many of the Fellows, we plan to pursue careers in healthcare. FAD gives us the chance to better understand the collaboration across systems through space and time that produce a healthcare experience for our future patients. No one exists in a vault.”

While advocacy was at the center of the event, some of the most meaningful moments happened when people just got to connect. For many of the Fellows, some of their favorite moments were from the Thursday night dance celebration with the families and other advocates. “Interacting with the kids and their families, hearing their stories, and bringing a good time to the end of their day was so meaningful to me,” said Davanee McNairy of Kent State lacrosse.

Anthony seconded the dance party love on Thursday night as equally memorable. “I love the opportunity to celebrate the hard work of the families,” he said. “Having the opportunity to help them around the Capitol and hear them share their experiences with so many different representatives is something that will stick with me for a long time to come.”

Those moments of laughter and celebration are a reminder of something Team IMPACT sees every day: children are far more than their diagnoses. “Seeing the strength of these children and the light they bring to the world and our teams is transformative,” Maya said. “Team IMPACT is an incredible organization that helps give these kids a sense of belonging and a place to forget their life worries.”

That sense of belonging is one of the reasons Team IMPACT’s presence at FAD matters. For Stephen, representing Team IMPACT at FAD helps demonstrate that pediatric healthcare extends beyond hospital walls. “Representing Team IMPACT at FAD furthers Team IMPACT’s identity as not an isolated social support program but as a program that has the ability to improve outcomes in all facets of a child’s life,” he said.

Davanee experienced that reality through her own Team IMPACT match. “My experience with my match has shown me how important both healthcare and social support are for children facing serious illnesses,” she shared. “I’ve seen firsthand how a sense of belonging, friendship, and inclusion can positively impact a child’s life alongside the medical care they receive. This has opened my eyes to how important advocacy is. It gives families a voice and helps create meaningful change that can improve the care, opportunities, and support available to children both now and in the future.”

FAD also reminded Fellows that advocacy is strongest when communities come together. “Events like FAD always provide me with a reminder that there is a community supporting us all,” Stephen said. “FAD is really the culmination of what Team IMPACT is all about,” Anthony continued. “It gives us the chance to advocate for children with chronic conditions at the highest level. Team IMPACT’s strength is in addressing many of the struggles that happen outside the walls of the hospital, and our three days in DC help us to both spread the word about our organization but also to enact the kind of widespread change in the system that would benefit our matches and their families.”

For Sophia, FAD reminds her that she has a platform and an opportunity to make a difference—and she doesn’t want to miss that opportunity. “Team IMPACT and FAD align in their missions and both center on the lived experiences of kids and families. Having representation is essential at FAD to exhibit the promise of inclusion and connection that Team IMPACT offers,” she said. “We hope that our presence shows families that there are communities like Team IMPACT ready to embrace their authentic stories and to shower their kids with unconditional love. As student-athletes, the inspiration we gain from the kids and families advocating at FAD encourages us to consider what impact we want to have and how to use our own platforms for good. Taking Team IMPACT to FAD not only allows us to reflect on our own experiences on our campuses, but also to think about how we can expand the reach of this program.”

At Team IMPACT, we believe connection has the power to transform lives, and FAD emphasizes the connection that comes when people advocate for one another. When families are given the opportunity to share their stories directly with lawmakers and leaders, their experiences become catalysts for change. When Fellows show up with open minds and open hearts, they become stronger advocates, future healthcare leaders, and lifelong allies.

Most importantly, Family Advocacy Day reminded us that every child deserves not only excellent medical care but also community, inclusion, and opportunities to simply be kids.

We are grateful to the Children’s Hospital Association for bringing together families, advocates, healthcare leaders, and partners committed to improving pediatric healthcare. And we are incredibly proud of our Fellows who represented Team IMPACT’s mission with compassion, commitment, and purpose.

The post Advocacy in Action: Team IMPACT Fellows Join Families at CHA’s Family Advocacy Day appeared first on Team IMPACT.

Since being matched at BU, Serena has embraced every opportunity to become a part of the team, attending games, meals, team bonding events, and even the Team IMPACT Gala. Throughout her journey and through it all, Serena had Bella by her side. 

“Bella goes out of her way to make Serena feel acknowledged and included,” Serena’s mom, Ashley, shared. “She helps Serena in a lot of different ways to feel seen, safe, and part of the team. We are so grateful for her leadership, presence, and most importantly her friendship.”  

For Serena, there are many reasons why Bella’s friendship means so much.  

“There are three reasons why I would like to nominate Bella,” Serena said. “The first reason is that we have had a lot of hangouts together.” 

The pair has spent time outside of basketball with each other including attending a Connecticut Sun game, sharing meals of pizza and ice cream, and attending BU Women’s Hockey games. Most importantly, Bella and her teammates show up. Serena explained how the team celebrated her accomplishments at her school’s Special Olympics, and how excited that made her when they cheered her on. Serena even gifted Bella her very own Hello Kitty BFF heart necklace. 

“The second reason is that Bella helped me walk up the stairs,” Serena explained. “Because I am in a wheelchair, every time I go up the stairs, I am a little nervous. Her helping me has made me feel safe.” 

Bella always Serena’s back and helps push her out of her comfort zone, knowing she’ll be supported every step of the way. Ashley has seen changes in the way Serena approaches her appointments. Serena is in an outpatient program for OCD and anxiety and recently had to interview someone who has anxiety. She interviewed Bella. Ashley said it was so insightful and empowering for Serena to see someone she looks up to so much who also has anxiety. “Serena and Bella are really comfortable talking to each other about their anxiety, and Serena really looks at Bella as a role model for how to manage anxiety,” Ashley said. “They check in with each other regularly to see how the other is doing and share their victories with one another. It’s awesome to see!” With every interaction, Bella is helping teach Serena more than the game of basketball.

These moments may seem small, but they show the depth of the pair’s relationship. Bella ensures Serena never has to navigate potentially difficult moments alone.  

“The third reason is that Bella always high-fives me throughout the game,” Serena said. “This makes me feel happy and energetic.” 

These little moments have built into the heart of Serena’s experience with the team. Through Team IMPACT, Serena has found a home at BU with friends that will last a lifetime. 

Their friendship is rooted in kindness, trust, and inclusion. Through all the little moments and acts of support Bella has shown Serena what it is like to feel seen, safe, and valued as a member of the Terrier family.  

The post Friendship Series: Seen, Safe, and Part of the Team — Serena and Bella, BU Basketball  appeared first on Team IMPACT.

Tom lives with Williams syndrome. When matched with Elmhurst basketball, he immediately became a staple on their team, building relationships with players who consider him one of their own. Among his friendships with the players, one specific player, Witch, stands out.  

“He’s my best friend,” Tom said when asked why he wanted to nominate Witch for Teammate of the Year.  

From the beginning, Witch has gone above and beyond to make Tom included in the team environment and keep them connected. He creates opportunities in both the season and offseason, for Tom to stay involved long after the final buzzer sounds.  

The pair have spent countless hours together, from bowling and playing one-on-one basketball, to visiting the zoo and even crossing paths on vacations. They have even developed traditions of their own, including a secret handshake that shows how strong their bond is.  

Witch’s unwavering support in addition to his friendship, is the biggest takeaway from their relationship. Tom explained that Witch helps him with rough days both on and off the court. Whether they are spending time together or are apart, Witch consistently shows up as a mentor and role model. He has a genuine interest in Tom’s life and celebrates all big and small moments with him.  

“John, who goes by Witch, is a large part of what drives our match,” Tom’s mom, Mandi, shared. “He keeps both the team and Tom connected in the offseason by helping organize activities and outings. He makes sure Tom has a spot with the guys and has helped foster relationships with Tom and the team while also building a lasting friendship with Tom himself. He is always curious about what is going on in Tom’s life and has become like an older brother to Tom.” 

The friendship between Tom and Witch reflects the heart of Team IMPACT’s mission. Sports may bring them together, but the genuine connection they build on and off the court is what continues to make the impact. This story reminds us that belonging to a team is more than just being a name on a roster; it is knowing that someone will save a spot next to them for you on the bench.  

For Tom, that person is Witch.  

The post Friendship Series: Forever Friends — Tom and Witch, Elmhurst Basketball  appeared first on Team IMPACT.

“Nate Currah does that every day.”

So when it came time to nominate his Teammate of the Year, Brodyn had no doubt Nate was his guy.

Nate and Brodyn’s connection sparked pretty instantly as soon as Brodyn joined the team. What started as a new friendship turned into a heartfelt testament to the kind of leadership and values that define what it means to be a teammate. “Nate is just a fantastic young man, and he stood out to Brodyn among a field of other amazing young men,” Heidi said. Brodyn joined the Zips when Nate was a freshman who was living away from his family in Canada for the first time. “He still had the courage to be a part of this program and to prioritize Brodyn,” Heidi said, “even when he was going through his own obstacles and challenges being away from home.”

Nate not only embraced Brodyn onto the team but also spearheaded so many moments of support off the baseball field. He visited Brodyn at home to celebrate his birthday, sent messages of encouragement when he wasn’t feeling well, dressed up to take Brodyn trick-or-treating, and helped rally the entire Akron baseball team to volunteer for Brodyn’s Challenger League baseball games. In fact, there wasn’t a single fall ball game that Nate and the Zips didn’t show up for.

For Brodyn and Heidi, Nate’s support has impacted more than their family. His leadership, commitment, hard work, and dedication have solidified him as a teammate, friend, and role model—not only to Brodyn but to so many who know him.  “We feel that Nate is Teammate of the Year,” Heidi said, “not just for all the things he has provided Brodyn personally with his friendship, but also because of the impact he’s made on so many other children as well. So many people have been impacted here in Akron by Nate and Team IMPACT and Akron baseball, and we are so grateful.”

The post Friendship Series: Leading By Example — Brodyn and Nate, Akron Baseball appeared first on Team IMPACT.

That’s how Stacey Armato introduced her son, Massimo, during Team IMPACT’s Game Day Gala. But she also shared another reality that shapes every day of Massi’s life: “He also has cystic fibrosis.” 

For families living with cystic fibrosis (CF), childhood often looks different than expected. CF is a chronic disease that affects the respiratory and digestive systems. It requires daily and life-long treatments, medications, appointments, and care. 

By the time Massi was six years old, he had already endured multiple surgeries, long hospital stays, and ambulance rides Stacey wishes she could forget. Despite the physical pain caused by CF, the things that affected Massi the most, his mom said, was the exclusion from things he loved—like soccer.  “He was sitting on the sideline at his own soccer games,” she said, “because he was coughing so hard he couldn’t catch his breath, watching his teammates play.” 

It was always Massi’s goal to get back on the soccer field. What he didn’t anticipate is that he’d see that goal come to life alongside the UCLA Bruins—at the same school where his dad was a student-athlete years earlier. “When the match came through—UCLA men’s soccer—something shifted in Massi,” Stacey said. “The cloud that CF sometimes puts over his life just…lifted.” 

For Massi, the thing that always made him feel different now made him feel special. He got to go to the campus he loves at the college he loves to play the sport he loves with the teammates he loves. His time with the Bruins allowed him the space to think of his life outside of his diagnosis. “On the days Massi was with the UCLA soccer team, he didn’t think about his treatments,” Stacey said. “He wasn’t a kid with CF. He was a Bruin.”  

And Massi fully embraced his new role. 

He had his official Signing Day with his team. He trained with them on the field. His teammates even started staying late after practice just to pass the soccer ball with him. His teammates showed up to Massi’s own soccer tournament where they “cheered like it was the World Cup final,” Stacey said. Massi and some of the members of his youth team were ball boys at a UCLA soccer game. And one of his UCLA teammates even arranged for Massi to walk out on the field at an LA Galaxy match. “These are things kids dream about,” Stacey said. 

For years, Stacey struggled knowing she can’t take Massi’s CF away. “But some of the most powerful medicine—the kind that reaches the places clinical treatment never can—truly is community.” And that is what Massi and Stacey found in the UCLA soccer team. 

“What Team IMPACT gave Massi was something no prescription can provide: a sense of belonging,” Stacey said. “A team. A family. An identity that had nothing to do with being sick and everything to do with being part of something bigger than himself.” 

And what Massi gave the UCLA soccer team is something that will change their program forever. “What struck me most,” she said, “was how much it felt like those players needed Massi too.” 

This is a feeling, Stacey says, that will stick with both Massimo and the Bruins soccer program long after Massi’s graduation. “The best part of this whole story?” Stacey said. “The match didn’t end. Those guys feel like family. And I think that’s the beauty of Team IMPACT—the ability to translate the power of human connection into something a ten-year-old boy can feel for years to come.” 

Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month is about more than raising awareness of a diagnosis. It’s about recognizing the strength, resilience, and joy of kids living with CF and the communities that help them feel seen and accepted beyond their diagnosis. This May, we celebrate kids like Massi, families like the Armatos, teammates like UCLA men’s soccer, and every person helping children facing serious illness feel seen, supported, and connected. We also recognize the organizations supporting Team IMPACT’s mission, including Vertex Pharmaceuticals for its partnership and support. 

Together, we strive to bring every child living with CF the feeling Massimo gets to experience with the UCLA soccer team—and to bring every parent of a child living with CF the feeling Stacey gets every time Massi is with his Bruins.  

The post Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month: More Than Medicine — Stacey, Massimo, and the UCLA Bruins   appeared first on Team IMPACT.

For Cory, Sarah is much more than a teammate—she’s a best friend.  “Sarah always includes me,” Cory shared in his nomination. “She came to visit me and cheered me up when I broke my arm. She takes me swimming and helps me cheer for the team. She takes me to special events. I love her so much! The best friend ever!”

Sarah’s positivity, dedication, and “overall awesomeness” have helped Cory find his way seamlessly within the Bentley athletics community. Whether they’re cheering on the Falcons together, spending time at team events, or simply making each other laugh, Sarah makes sure Cory always feels included and valued. For Sarah, having Cory on the team means endless laughs, constant support, and never a dull moment. For Cory, having Sarah in his corner means having someone who celebrates the fun moments and shows up during the hard ones, too.

At Team IMPACT, we know friendship can be transformative. Cory and Sarah remind us that being a teammate means more than showing up to practice, it means showing up for each other always.

The post Friendship Series: Never a Dull Moment — Cory and Sarah, Bentley Swim & Dive appeared first on Team IMPACT.

From day one, Liam found his place with the Miami Ohio hockey team. But within that team, one relationship quickly grew into something especially meaningful: his friendship with Blake Mesenberg.

For the last year and a half, Blake has been what Liam’s mom, Melissa, calls “a major player in Liam’s life.” What started as a teammate connection quickly evolved into a genuine, steady bond. “Liam knows that no matter what, he can always call Blake and talk to him about anything,” Melissa said, “even if Blake is home for the holidays or on summer break. Blake makes Liam feen seen, loved, and a part of the team.”

That connection was nearly instant, entirely unexpected, and 100% authentic. “When we met Blake, we realized he was special,” Melissa recalled. “We didn’t know how easy it would be for Blake and Liam to just fall into a genuine friendship.” Blake takes interest in everything Liam is doing, supports him through his medical journey, cheers him on in every aspect of his life, and takes time to truly see how Liam is feeling. As a parent, Melissa has been blown away by the genuine care and connection her son found in Blake. “Blake makes eye contact and gives Liam his full attention when they are together,” she said, “not because he has to but because he wants to.”

This consistent and continued connection has helped Liam blossom, both with the team and in his personal life. Liam has not only found a team—he has found himself. “Through this journey, Blake has found his voice, his ability to be more open and comfortable with letting others in his life,” Melissa said. “Blake has shown Liam what it truly means and looks like to be a friend.” Which, for Melissa, is huge. “Liam has never had a group of friends prior to joining the team, making it hard to have a birthday party. Blake made sure Liam’s 16th birthday was memorable, and Liam still talks about that night months later.”

For Liam and his family, Blake is more than a teammate—he’s a role model, a friend, and a brother. “From a parent standpoint, you want your children to have friends like Blake,” she said, “selfless and kind, ready to be there to lead the way. Blake has exceeded all our expectations on what a teammate and friend should be while we are all on this Team IMPACT journey together. Blake is more like family to Liam.”

Friendships like Liam and Blake’s are at the heart of what Team IMPACT is all about. It’s not just about adding a name to a roster—it’s about building relationships that change lives with student-athletes who will shape futures.

“The world could use more Blake Mesenburgs in it,” Melissa said. “He is a leader of high character, with a genuine heart. We love the bond our son has with him, and we are thankful Liam has been blessed with such a great teammate. Blake Mesenburg is a teammate worthy of celebrating.”

The post Friendship Series: Teammates Turned Family — Liam & Blake, Miami Ohio Hockey appeared first on Team IMPACT.

Jess’s son, Evan, is matched with the Dallas Baptist University men’s basketball team, and through their experience, something powerful unfolded: connection, confidence, and a sense of belonging that reaches far beyond the court.

“Team IMPACT brings connection, inclusion, and the chance for our son to be part of something bigger than himself,” Jess shared. “We’re grateful that Evan feels seen and welcomed by the DBU basketball team. It gives him teammates, role models, and experiences that build his confidence, while giving our family a community that embraces him and allows him to shine in ways we never could on our own.”

That’s the heart of Team IMPACT: creating spaces where children of all abilities aren’t just present but fully immersed. That sense of being seen, of belonging exactly as you are, is what Team IMPACT exists to create. For so many children facing serious illness or disability, sports can often feel out of reach. For families like Jess,’ Team IMPACT opens the doors to build lifelong relationships rooted in the joy, respect, and unwavering support that comes through team.  “Team IMPACT is important to families like ours because so often our children are seen as ‘other’ and unintentionally pushed to the sidelines,” Jess said. “Team IMPACT changes that. They make our kids part of the ‘in’ crowd. There is incredible joy in watching your child be valued for his strengths and personality, rather than defined by what he can’t do. That sense of belonging is something every family deserves, and Team IMPACT makes it possible.”

This is a feeling Jess, and everyone at Team IMPACT, believes every child deserves, and Jess’ firsthand experience seeing her son in the program drives her to do everything she can to give more kids like hers a team of their own. “We support Team IMPACT because Evan wouldn’t have these experiences without them,” Jess said. “Team IMPACT creates a space where children of all abilities can find joy, confidence, and identity through sport. We’ve seen firsthand how they change lives, and we’re grateful to give back to an organization that means so much to our family.”

Because of Team IMPACT and the DBU basketball team, Evan has teammates who cheer him on, role models who show up for him, and a community that recognizes his value. He has made friendships every parent dreams of for their child.

“Donations fuel a mission of heart, purpose, and connection,” Jess says. “They empower kids, embrace families, and inspire communities. The partnership between a child and a team becomes something bigger than any one individual, creating a shared purpose that uplifts everyone. Giving helps continue this life-changing work and reach even more families.”

Evan’s story is one of hundreds that reflect exactly why Team IMPACT exists. Every child deserves to belong. Every family deserves community. Every team deserves a new friend like Evan. Together, you can support this mission for years to come.

The post Why I Give: Finding Belonging on the Court and Off appeared first on Team IMPACT.

Travis joined Team IMPACT as a freshman at Rice University, where he competed in cross country and track and field. It didn’t take long for Travis to know he wanted to do more with Team IMPACT. Through the Team IMPACT Fellowship Program, he helped support not one, but two Team IMPACT matches—first with Santi and later with Homero—both of whom became beloved members of Rice’s cross country team. Today, Travis is continuing his journey of service as a medical student at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, pursuing a dual MD/MPH degree.

Looking back, Travis says he had no idea just how impactful his freshman year experience with Team IMPACT would become to his collegiate career, his professional aspirations, and his entire future. Through Santi, Homero, and his involvement in Fellowship, Travis witnessed confidence blossoming in children and student-athletes alike. That confidence bleeds into everything Travis does. As a leader and future doctor, Team IMPACT and the friendships made along the way go far beyond sport. “Seeing both Santi and Homero grow in their confidence around the team and seeing the team grow closer in support of our matches and their families has been an extremely special experience,” he said. “Team IMPACT provides student-athletes an unmatched opportunity to grow in their character, leadership, and perspective on the world and the power of sport. Through supporting a match, our team spent more time together and learned more about each other than we ever would have had we not had Santi or Homero as a part of our team.”

That growth has followed Travis well beyond his collegiate career. As he prepares for a future in healthcare, he credits Team IMPACT with teaching lessons that can’t be found in a textbook. “As an aspiring healthcare professional, Team IMPACT taught me the importance of the human side of medicine, which is a level of understanding and knowledge that is absolutely essential to effectively caring for patients and their families,” he said.

The Fellowship Program also connected Travis with student-athletes across the country who share a commitment to service and leadership. Together, these athletes share experiences that shape them to be empathetic leaders of tomorrow. “For athletic programs, Team IMPACT provides an excellent opportunity to develop leaders on teams and create a positive team culture that is beneficial to the performance of a team regardless of the court or field they play on,” Travis said. “My time as a Fellow at Team IMPACT has also provided me with many lifelong friends from athletic programs across the country, all of whom have incredibly admirable aspirations and dedication towards making the world a better place. By learning from other Fellows at Team IMPACT, I have become a better leader, communicator, and advocate.”

As Travis continues to grow and learn from those around him, he does so with Team IMPACT as a constant. From student-athlete to Fellow, medical student to doctor, Travis has continued to give his time, energy, love, and support to Team IMPACT. “I support Team IMPACT because of its incredible mission, the resources and support Team IMPACT has given to myself and so many other student athletes, and the potential I believe the organization has for making an even larger positive impact on both pediatric healthcare and collegiate athletics nationwide,” Travis said.

Travis is using his experience and his platform to encourage others to give, however they can. “Other student-athletes should also support Team IMPACT because of the organization’s mission to enhance the collegiate athletic experience and provide student athletes with both lifelong friends and career tools through matches with teams and the fellowship program,” he said. “Student athletes can support Team IMPACT through getting their team matched, applying to the fellowship program to spread Team IMPACT’s mission on their campus, and giving whatever funds they are able to support Team IMPACT’s mission financially.”

As we approach the end of the year, your generosity makes stories like Travis’s possible. Your gift helps us match more children with more teams, welcome more Fellows, and continue building a future where sport is a force for healing, connection, and hope.

This season of giving, we invite you to be part of the impact. Together, we can ensure that more children like Santi and Homero find belonging, confidence, and joy, and that more student-athletes grow into compassionate leaders who carry these lessons for life.

Make your end-of-year gift today and help us create more matches that change lives.

The post Why I Give: The Power of Every Match appeared first on Team IMPACT.