A student-led partnership between Reagan High School and Team IMPACT raised $5,615 to support children with disabilities and serious illnesses in achieving their athletic dreams.
Team IMPACT matches children facing serious illness and disability with college athletic teams across the country. Their case managers work with families to set goals tailored to each child’s journey, build a rapport with teams, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Sports present key opportunities for building physical and social skills, and Team IMPACT’s work makes sure students with disabilities and long-term illnesses don’t miss out.
“For a healthy child, there are a number of systems through their family, school, or larger community where they are able to find support and socialization,” reads Team IMPACT’s website. “For children living with a serious illness or disability, these systems can be strained. Team IMPACT provides a safe, supportive, and encouraging environment for a child and their family to connect with a college athletic team and local campus community.”
This mission hit home for Mallory Lindquist and Chloe Rogers, both juniors and student athletes at Reagan. Lindquist got to see her cousin benefit directly from the organization’s program, and it inspired her to get more involved. Even though neither of them had ever organized a fundraiser before, they resolved to get together with their fellow student athletes and do something to help Team IMPACT.
“My cousin had a serious illness, and I saw what charities like Team IMPACT did for him and his family,” Lindquist said. “I wanted to help people like that too.”
The effort was a huge success. The Reagan for IMPACT initiative hosted a charity fitness and weightlifting competition at Utopia Fitness in Lewisville, and attendees brought in $5,615 worth of donations. That money will be used to support families’ travel and lodging expenses as they take part in Team IMPACT programs, helping the team ensure a low barrier to entry for these life-changing experiences.
The organizers were thrilled to see so much support from other Reagan athletes. Dedicating a full Saturday to a fundraiser is no small ask for a student athlete with a packed training schedule, but they showed up in big numbers just the same. Rogers was glad to know that children who benefit from Team IMPACT’s work will be getting a taste of the supportive team atmosphere she’s come to know at her school.
“We know a lot of athletes here, and it means a lot to us that they were willing to dedicate a Saturday to this,” Rogers said. “It’s good to have friends to turn to. When you need something, you have your team.”