Team IMPACT Matches 4,500 Kids With College Athletes

Liam had never experienced a real birthday party with friends until his 16th. Blake Mesenberg, a college hockey player at Miami University in Ohio, made sure that changed.

The celebration happened because of Team IMPACT, a Boston nonprofit that matches children facing serious illness and disability with college athletic teams. Since 2011, the organization has connected more than 4,500 kids with teams across all 50 states.

Liam lives with a rare genetic disorder that causes muscle weakness and developmental delays. Through Team IMPACT's multiyear program, he became an official member of Miami's hockey team, attending practices, games, team dinners, and campus events.

Blake took an immediate interest in Liam's life beyond the rink. He checks in regularly, even during holidays and summer break, supporting Liam through medical appointments and celebrating his victories.

"Liam knows that no matter what, he can always call Blake and talk to him about anything," says his mother Melissa. "Liam has never had a group of friends prior to joining the team, making it hard to have a birthday party."

The program now spans more than 850 colleges and universities, engaging over 112,500 student athletes. Children become full team members for multiple years, building meaningful friendships and support systems that extend far beyond sports.

Why This Inspires

The program transforms everyone it touches. Kids who once felt sidelined by illness discover belonging and resilience through their new teams. Student athletes gain invaluable lessons in empathy, leadership, and perspective that shape them long after graduation.

"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. What started with one child and one hockey team in Massachusetts has become a national movement redefining inclusion in sports.

Liam still talks about his 16th birthday months later. He has a friend who truly sees him, and a whole team cheering him on.