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.” 

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Living with a heart condition, Boston has faced challenges that many children his age never have to think about. But since being matched with the California State University, San Bernardino Baseball team through Team IMPACT in 2024, he’s found something every child deserves, a place where he feels welcomed, celebrated, and included.

One teammate, Conner, helped make that feeling possible every step of the way. He has made it his mission to ensure Boston knows he isn’t just on the roster, but he is a key member of the team.

Whether it’s before the first pitch, during the game, or after the final out, Conner goes out of his way to make Boston feel special. Through simple acts of kindness and genuine friendship, he’s created moments that remind Boston he belongs alongside his teammates.

“Our teammate should win because they always make Boston feel special on the baseball field,” Boston’s family shared. “They have made my son feel like a part of the team!”

Sometimes, the biggest impact doesn’t come from grand gestures.

It’s found in the high fives after practice. The conversations in the dugout. The smiles shared between the innings. The intentional moments when someone takes the time to make another person feel seen.

That’s exactly what Conner has done for Boston, by welcoming him as a teammate rather than a visitor, Conner has helped create an environment where Boston can simply enjoy being a kid, laughing with friends, celebrating the team’s successes, and making memories that will last long after the season ends.

At Team IMPACT, that’s what friendship is all about.

It’s choosing to include someone without hesitation. It’s making room for another teammate in every huddle, every celebration, and every shared experience. It’s showing up consistently so that someone else knows they matter.

For Boston, Cal State San Bernardino Baseball has become more than just a team to cheer for.

It’s become another family.

And thanks to friends like Conner, every trip to the ballpark is a reminder that the best teams aren’t just built on talent but that they’re built on kindness, inclusion, and the friendships that make everyone feel like they belong.

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Dan’s perspective on what it means to be part of a team has helped anchor the organization’s identity from the beginning. From the moment Team IMPACT became an idea to the very first match and the 4,500+ matches since, Dan has been with Team IMPACT for every step of the journey.

A collegiate lacrosse player himself, Dan understands firsthand the unwavering support, collaboration, and identity that come with being part of a team. For Dan, that idea of team has always been important. “To me, a team is a group of individuals who commit to something bigger than themselves,” he said. “They share a common goal, support each other through challenges, celebrate success together and create a sense of belonging. It’s a community that provides encouragement during difficult times and relationships that last beyond the game.”

That definition has been more than a sentiment—it has been a guiding principle behind how Team IMPACT connects children with college athletic teams across the country. It reflects the lived experience of thousands of matches: kids, families, and student-athletes forming relationships that extend far beyond the field of play.

Over the past 15 years, Dan has consistently emphasized the ripple effect of those relationships. Dan hopes everyone who experiences Team IMPACT experiences the program as more than a match but a life-changing and life-long network of support. “Team IMPACT is truly making a positive difference in people’s lives,” he said, calling the program a “win-win-win scenario” for all involved. “The kids who are matched receive unwavering support, strength and camaraderie from their college teammates as they face medical challenges that pull them out of school and away from friends. The family members benefit from seeing their loved one be able to just be a kid for a change, away from hospitals and doctors, and they gain their own support through the relationships that are formed through the match. And the student athletes are taught lessons about real courage, resiliency, and a life perspective that cannot be learned in a classroom.”

This win-win-win has become one of the clearest expressions of the connection that strengthens everyone it reaches. Reflecting on that growth, Dan credits the collective effort that goes into everything Team IMPACT does and the community that has grown from being united in support of a common mission for the past 15 years. “It’s truly unbelievable to see how far the organization has come in 15 years,” Dan said. “From the first few matches in New England to reaching almost 5,000 matches across all 50 states at 500 colleges and universities is humbling and something that we don’t take for granted. We would not have been able to achieve this growth without the support we have received from our amazing TI staff, dedicated board of directors, and loyal supporters across the country.”

That sense of humility and gratitude has remained central to Team IMPACT’s journey. While the numbers reflect scale, the heart of the work remains deeply personal—not only for the staff and program participants but for the supporters who first brought Team IMPACT to life.

For Dan, the journey that brought Team IMPACT to where it is now is just as important as the future of the organization, each moment guided by the same goal: to make more matches. “I look forward to continued growth across the country with the goal of finding and matching every eligible kid with a team,” Dan said.

As we reflect on the broader impact of the past decade and a half, we remember some of the things that matter most: the lives changed, the community built along the way, and the impact that comes when we’re all united behind the same mission. “As I reflect back on 15 years of Team IMPACT, it makes me proud to see the to see real, tangible differences that the organization has had in improving so many lives,” Dan said. “To be able to do all of this alongside close friends who share a vision and passion for our mission has made the journey that much more meaningful. We are proud of what we have achieved, but we still have ambitious goals for the future, and we won’t stop working until every child with a serious illness or disability can experience the power and the magic of Team IMPACT.”

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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.

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Now Charlotte, age 12, is a graduate on the Michigan field hockey team, and she remains a huge part of the team. Whether she is attending team hangouts, meals, games or practices, she is treated like family. At the center of it all is her teammate, Zoe.

“Zoe has been an incredible teammate to our daughter, Charlotte,” Charlotte’s family shared. “She works unbelievably hard to make sure that Charlotte is included in team events and gatherings, as well as planning lots of extra events and hangouts for Charlotte to spend time with the team.”

Zoe always makes sure to invite Charlotte to everything, going as far as organizing team activities that revolve around Charlotte’s schedule, so she can attend everything. Zoe and Charlotte took many photos together on the team’s media day this past fall and saves a seat right beside her for post-game autographs.

For Charlotte’s family, her reach goes far beyond what meets the eye. Zoe and the team’s genuine care for Charlotte have been instrumental in her transition to middle school. Giving her confidence and a sense of safety if she needs a place to fall back on.

“Zoe is the big sister that our daughter needs and surrounds her with an entire team of friends and sisters who value Charlotte’s presence” Charlotte’s family shared.

Whether it be on the field, or at media day, Charlotte is always included in team events; she considers Zoe and the team as her “best friends,” and she is so grateful for their presence in her life. This sisterhood shows us what Team IMPACT can create, a sense of security, belonging, and genuine care for one another.

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Ellie, who lives with Williams Syndrome, was matched with UGA cheerleading through Team IMPACT in 2025. Coming into a large team of over fifty members creates some uncertainty, but the UGA coach worked with Team IMPACT to make a smaller board of nine cheerleaders that would help integrate Ellie into the team fully. Among those nine were Hannah.

From the start, Hannah and Ellie shared an unbreakable bond. Hannah always begins every practice by greeting Ellie and making sure to partner up with her at games. She made sure that Ellie never felt out of place in the team environment. After only a few months of being matched together, Hannah texted Ellie’s family this message:

“I just wanted to let you know how thankful I am to be a part of sweet Ellie’s life! She just lights up the room, and I just am so thankful Team IMPACT allowed us all to meet! She is something so special and y’all have done an incredible job with her. She makes my days! Little girls just like her are exactly who make me so excited for my future career. She is the sweetest, HILARIOUS, loving little girl! Can’t wait to see y’all again!”

To Hannah, this may not be a big moment, but to Ellie’s family, it showed the difference that Team IMPACT can make in both an athlete and families’ life. The small moments are what makes the pair’s relationship stand out, with Hannah being in communication with Ellie’s family, and making it a point to be the first to include her; it shows how much she cares about Ellie.

“To watch the impact both ways, on Ellie from Hannah – giving her confidence and acceptance in a world that struggles to do that, and Hannah from Ellie – giving her an opportunity to learn about a child with special abilities and see the world through her eyes – is truly a gift,” Ellie’s family shared.

When Ellie decided to get involved with the “Big Hearts” talent show with ESP, Inc and showcase UGA cheers, Hannah was the first and only volunteer to get on stage with Ellie.

Hannah demonstrates that showing up excited is a game changer in the teammate bond, and that her support and excitement for Ellie’s wins, big or small, makes the world a difference. Hannah’s presence on stage made Ellie feel special. Performing cheers in front of a crowd with her UGA teammates was a huge moment for her confidence.

“What I love about Hannah is that she loves me, and I love her back, and she’s my bestie,” Ellie shared.

Ellie and Hannah show us that Team IMPACT is not about being included only on the big stage, but also backstage. Showing support in the little moments, and including teammates, is where the pair’s bond makes a difference.

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Through Team IMPACT, Mateo, who lives with cerebral palsy, was matched with Carroll University men’s soccer in 2025. Joining this team provided him with a group of teammates who share his love for soccer, including a special bond with his teammate, Matthew.

While Mateo and Matthew face a language barrier, that has not stopped them from forming a meaningful connection.

https://youtube.com/shorts/Ftyi_-1fDtU   

“Matthew is being very attentive with Mateo even though they have the language barrier,” Mateo’s family shared. “They still communicate and share a lot of different forms of communication with each other.”

Their friendship reminds us that some of the strongest bonds are formed through action, not words. Matthew has found ways to make Mateo feel welcomed and included as a member of the team through experiences, patience, and genuine care.

Something they never need assistance to communicate about is their love for the game.

Whether they are spending time together on the field kicking around the ball, or cheering on the team together, soccer has become a common language between them. Soccer provides a way to connect, have fun, and create memories that go beyond any language differences.

Matthew’s kindness is reflected in the way he has created an environment where Mateo feels supported and celebrated. The team surprised Mateo with a birthday video on his most recent birthday. The thoughtful gesture showed just how much he means to the program and how invested the players are in making him feel like part of their family.

For Mateo, Carroll Men’s Soccer is more than a team. It’s a place where he can share his love of soccer, build lasting relationships, and be surrounded by people who care about him.

And for Matthew and Mateo, their friendship proves that kindness, laughter, and a shared passion can speak louder than words ever could.

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Nadiya is fully blind due to a genetic disorder, but her teammate Taylor makes sure she is always informed. Since they met, Taylor has made it her mission to ensure Nadiya feels included, informed, and valued as a member of the team.

“Taylor has taken the time at every practice and meet to come over to Nadiya, always making sure she introduces herself first,” Nadiya’s mom, Michelle, shared. “This is key as Nadiya is fully blind and sometimes identifying people by only voice is a challenge.”  

Taylor’s consistent thoughtfulness has helped create a special bond between the pair. At every swim meet, Taylor makes sure Nadiya can follow the action in the pool by describing what is happening. This began as a simple act of inclusion, but it laid out the foundation for a meaningful friendship built on trust, understanding, and genuine care.

“Taylor always takes the time to say hi, and she always describes everything that is going on in every OSU meet because I can’t see it,” Nadiya said. “At OSU team meals, Taylor helps me get food. I like how she walks me through the line and describes all the food that is there, and she sits next to me too.”

For Nadiya, the little moments matter. Taylor’s care allows Nadiya to not only navigate events, but to fully participate in them.  

Their friendship extends far beyond the pool. When Nadiya’s family visited Niagara Falls over the summer, Taylor was home nearby in Buffalo. Despite being on her summer break, she made it a point to meet up with Nadiya for dinner. Taylor has even introduced Nadiya to her mom, adding another layer to their relationship. Gestures that may seem small for Taylor make a huge difference for Nadiya, building her confidence and sense of belonging.  

Taylor has supported Nadiya in both the good moments, and the disappointing ones, reminding her of her value after Nadiya participated in her school’s goalball team. Taylor displays the meaning of being a teammate, showing up every moment.  

The impact of Taylor’s friendship is shown through how she acts. She includes Nadiya without making her feel different and offers support without taking away Nadiya’s independence. Through the small and intentional acts, she ensures that Nadiya experiences every moment as a true member of OSU Artistic Swim.  

The connection between the pair is so strong that when asked who she would like to be placed next to in the team locker room, her answer was immediate: Taylor. Through Team IMPACT, Nadiya gained a team. In Taylor, she gained a friend who makes sure no moment goes unseen.  

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“He is the best person,” Savian said. “He plays games with me, is always nice, and we have a handshake.”  

While the handshake may seem small, it represents a friendship built on trust and consistency.

Savian is an eight-year-old who lives with microvillus inclusion disease. He was matched with Bethel College men’s basketball in 2025 through Team IMPACT. Since joining the team, he has gained more than teammates, with friendships that have made him feel welcome and supported.

The most notable friendship is Savian’s with his teammate, Dom. From the beginning, Dom tried to get to know Savian. They spend time together at team events, play games with one another, and have even gone bowling together. Dominik always goes the extra step to make sure that Savian feels included and seen. The pair’s friendship extends far beyond game days though.  

“No matter how the game goes for Dom, he always makes sure to talk to Savian,” his family shared. “He is very kind and attends everything we schedule outside of basketball. You can tell he really cares about Savian and what he is doing.”  

The consistency in Dom’s support is what makes the difference in their friendship. Win or lose, Dom always checks in with his teammate. The collection of these moments sends a strong message to Savian, showing him that he matters. Dom understands that being a good teammate extends beyond the court, that it is about showing up, and building relationships to strengthen the team.  

Whether it is spending time after practice, creating new additions to their handshake, or just checking in, Dom makes sure that every interaction with Savian counts. The connection has created a home away from home for Savian.  

These moments share a story of friendship that grows stronger every day. Team IMPACT is built on the belief that sports can create life-changing relationships, and the friendship found on Bethel Men’s Basketball between Savian and Dominik is just one example of that belief working in real time.  

For Savian, every handshake practiced is a reminder that he has found a genuine supporter, and someone who will always be in his corner.  

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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.  

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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.

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