BOSTON (WBZ-AM) -- Each month, “WBZ Cares” highlights a worthy non-profit organization and tells the story of what that organization does for the community. This month WBZ is profiling Team IMPACT, a national nonprofit that connects children facing serious and chronic illnesses with local college athletic teams, forming life-long bonds and life-changing outcomes.
The charity matches children facing serious or chronic illnesses with local college sports teams. They don't play the sport but they do attend games, practices, and team activities and are accepted, unconditionally, as a team member.
Team IMPACT's director of clinical services Rachel Rogovin says that type of interaction can make a real difference in the child’s life.
“What we have seen from families is they feel like their child has gotten increased self-confidence. Feeling, um, like there’s something to look forward to in life. That kind of sense optimism or hope that even when life is hard, which these kids certainly know it is, that there is something there to look forward to. There is a positive,” Rogovin commented.
Rogovin says the whole family that benefits, “We hear it from parents the benefit that they receive in seeing their kids get to have this normative childhood experience of being part of a team and being part of a group of friends.”
14-year-old Lindsey has the rare genetic disorder “Williams Syndrome”. She’s matched with Framingham State University's girls’ softball team where she’s formed some deep, lasting friendships with her teammates. Her mother signed her up.
“My mom said you're going to meet lots of girls and they're gonna to inspire you and they're gonna to do everything they can to be your friend. Then I became friends with all of them,” Lindsey stated.
Team IMPACT, building confidence through a sense of belonging.
WBZ NewsRadio1030's Shari Small Reports