Team IMPACT Marks 15 Years of Connecting Children With Serious Illness to College Athletic Teams
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Team IMPACT, a Boston-based nonprofit, has matched over 4,500 children facing serious illness and disability with college athletic teams since 2011. The program spans more than 850 colleges and universities, engaging over 112,500 student-athletes to provide children with official team membership and social support. The organization will roll out a series of national and local events in 2026 to celebrate its 15th anniversary.
Facts First
- Has matched over 4,500 children with serious illness or disability to college teams since 2011.
- Operates at more than 850 colleges across all 50 states, involving over 112,500 student-athletes.
- Provides a multiyear clinical program making children official team members who attend practices, games, and events.
- Will launch anniversary activations throughout 2026 to mark its 15th year.
What Happened
Team IMPACT, a Boston-based nonprofit, has connected more than 4,500 children facing serious illness and disability with college athletic teams since its founding in 2011. The program operates at more than 850 colleges and universities in all 50 states, engaging over 112,500 student-athletes. Through its multiyear clinical program, children become official members of a team, attending practices, games, team dinners, and campus events. One such connection is between Miami University hockey player Blake Mesenberg and Liam, a 16-year-old with a rare genetic disorder.
Why this Matters to You
If you or someone you know is a child or family navigating a serious medical condition, this program offers a tangible source of community and social support that may improve well-being. For student-athletes at hundreds of colleges, participation provides meaningful community engagement opportunities. The program's planned 15th-anniversary events in 2026 could raise its profile, potentially making this resource more visible to families who could benefit.
What's Next
Team IMPACT will roll out a series of national and local activations throughout 2026 to mark its 15th anniversary. These events may help the organization expand its reach and connect with more children and college teams.