Team IMPACT

As we start the new year and begin to plan exciting retreats ahead, we wanted to share about a fantastic family support opportunity. We recently met with a like-minded nonprofit, Team IMPACT, and learned all about the amazing experiences they provide to families in and out of cancer treatment. Team IMPACT is a national nonprofit that matches children 5-16 years old facing serious medical conditions and disabilities with college sports teams, creating a long-term, life-changing experience for everyone involved. This two-year experience entails your family being recruited onto a college athletic team and participating in elements of practice, games, team meals, and more. Team IMPACT works toward therapeutic goals for your child and provides a network of support to your family through the power of team.

To better understand what Team IMPACT does, check out this story below about Emma joining the UNC field hockey team for their historic championship win...

This past August, members of the UNC field hockey team posed with their new Team IMPACT teammate, Emma, to officially sign her onto the team. The event marked a celebratory moment for her and her family from the last few years after being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in August 2019. In remission now for two years, Emma’s doctor, Patrick Thompson, shares why it’s necessary for Emma and other children with serious illnesses to be a part of Team IMPACT.

“A serious childhood illness has effects that are far greater than the medical. When children are in medical care for diseases like cancer, they experience profound social isolation. They are out of school and out of touch with their friends. So, our care needs to be holistic, and that is where Team IMPACT can help. Being part of a Team IMPACT team is the best and most effective medicine to help the social isolation and absence of community that patients feel.”

Over the last few months, Emma has bonded with the team and coaching staff – from having her own spot in the team locker room and team uniform to joining the team in a scavenger hunt and the Team IMPACT All In 5K. During the season, coach Erin Matson reminded the team, “It’s super important to do what we do on the field, but also we understand that we have an impact even more off of it.” This mentality led the Tar Heels to their championship match-up this past weekend, and Emma was alongside them for all of it. Emma’s mom shares, “It was amazing to watch her cheer on the girls, run on the field, give all of them hugs, and share in cutting the winning net with them. Afterward, we went with all the girls and staff/parents to celebrate with them downtown on Franklin St.”

While the Tar Heels are enjoying the win, student-athlete and Team IMPACT Fellow Dorrit Eisenbeis called Emma a “fierce spark” for her and her teammates on their journey to the title.

As players head home for the holidays, championship in tow, they are grateful for Emma, and Emma is grateful for them. As they move forward into the next semester, practice, and look forward to the next season, regardless of what happens, Emma and her teammates are learning from each other. Notes Coach Erin Matson 48 hours after the win, “I know I speak for the entire program when I say we are so grateful Emma will forever be a part of our memories from this season. There are not 28 sisters who could love and respect her more.”

"I cannot imagine a better Team IMPACT experience than Emma has had. She is a national champion! But even before the NCAA tournament, the UNC Women’s Field Hockey Program provided Emma with a championship experience." Dr. Patrick A. Thompson, MD, Professor of Pediatrics, Fellowship Director, Division of Hematology-Oncology UNC

To learn more about Team IMPACT, visit their website.