Since 2011, a Boston-based nonprofit Team IMPACT has matched more than 4,500 children facing serious illness and disability with college teams across the U.S.—transforming lives through the power of belonging, empowerment and resilience.
Since pairing its first child with a college hockey team in Massachusetts, Team IMPACT has become a network spanning more than 850 colleges and universities across all 50 states and engaging over 112,500 student-athletes.
“Fifteen years ago, we set out with a simple but powerful belief that no child should ever be sidelined by illness or disability,” said CEO Krissie Kelleher.
Through Team IMPACT’s multiyear clinical program, children become official members of college athletic teams, attending practices, games, team dinners, and campus events, while building meaningful friendships and support systems that extend far beyond sports.
At the same time, student-athletes gain invaluable lessons in empathy, leadership, and perspective that shape them long after graduation.
One of those athletes is Blake Mesenberg, a hockey player at Miami University in Ohio, who found an instant connection with Liam, a 16-year-old with a rare genetic disorder that causes muscle weakness and developmental delays.
As a parent, Melissa has been blown away by the positive changes in her son and the genuine friendship that has developed.
“Liam knows that no matter what, he can always call Blake and talk to him about anything—even if Blake is home for the holidays or on summer break,” she said.
The hockey player takes interest in everything Liam is doing, supports him through his medical journey, cheers him on, and takes time to truly see how Liam is feeling.
“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.”
To mark its 15th anniversary, Team IMPACT will roll out a series of national and local activations throughout 2026 to highlight the growing movement behind redefining what inclusion in sports can look like.
“Today, we celebrate the incredible community that has made this mission possible — our families, student-athletes, coaches, donors, healthcare partners, and supporters who continue to show what it means to be all in, all together.”
MORE INSPIRING ATHLETES:
• Team Carries Wheelchair-bound Dad up Snowdon Peak Fulfilling Lifelong Goal–LOOK
• Boy With Rare Bone Disorder Becomes Quarterback for a Day and Scores a Touchdown for the NFL Carolina Panthers
The organization invites supporters, schools, and community partners to help expand its reach so more children can be matched with teams in the years ahead. Learn more on their website, www.teamimpact.org. (Watch the 15-year celebration video below…)
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