Mass. nonprofit pairs college teams with kids who have life-threatening illness

Team IMPACT hosts its 14th Game Day Gala, celebrating the relationships formed when kids are paired with college athletic teams.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:39pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph in soft, warm tones depicting the blurred silhouettes of a college sports team and a child in a wheelchair, conveying the sense of community and connection at the heart of the Team IMPACT program.The joyful interactions between college athletes and children facing life-threatening illnesses demonstrate the power of sports to bring people together and provide a sense of community.Boston Today

Team IMPACT, a Massachusetts nonprofit, hosted its 14th annual Game Day Gala on Saturday night at Encore Boston Harbor. The event celebrated the relationships formed when children facing life-threatening illnesses are paired with college athletic teams. Speakers at the gala, including New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, his son Jonathan Kraft, former Patriots quarterback Drew Bledsoe, and NCAA President and former Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, emphasized the positive impact the program has on both the children and the student-athletes involved.

Why it matters

The program provides support and a sense of community for families dealing with difficult medical challenges, while also giving student-athletes a grounding experience and the opportunity to put others' needs first. The gala highlighted the power of sports to bring people together and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those facing adversity.

The details

Team IMPACT pairs children facing life-threatening illnesses with college athletic teams, allowing the children to become official team members and participate in practices, games, and other team activities. The program aims to provide the children and their families with a support system and a sense of belonging, while also giving the student-athletes a valuable perspective and the chance to make a difference in someone's life.

  • Team IMPACT hosted its 14th annual Game Day Gala on Saturday, April 12, 2026.

The players

Robert Kraft

Owner of the New England Patriots.

Jonathan Kraft

Son of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft.

Drew Bledsoe

Former quarterback for the New England Patriots.

Charlie Baker

NCAA President and former Governor of Massachusetts.

Bridget Thompson

Volleyball player at Endicott College.

Charlotte Veiga

A child diagnosed with leukemia at age 5 who was paired with the Endicott College volleyball team.

Treva Veiga

Charlotte Veiga's mother.

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What they’re saying

“Today's world there's so much divisiveness and we need people who bring people together and do good things.”

— Robert Kraft, New England Patriots owner

“It has such an incredible impact, but it's just based on a simple concept — community, belonging and relationships.”

— Jonathan Kraft

“People say, 'Hey, thanks for spending time with little Jimmy,' and I'm like, man, I got a lot more out of that than he did. It's a really cool thing to put the two together — very meaningful on both sides.”

— Drew Bledsoe, Former Patriots quarterback

“Don't forget about the families who are going through really tough stuff. It gives these kids a community and support group, and it gives mom and dad a rhythm and a routine.”

— Charlie Baker, NCAA President and former Massachusetts Governor

“It's not all about volleyball. When she comes and hangs out with us, that's the good stuff.”

— Bridget Thompson, Volleyball player at Endicott College

The takeaway

Team IMPACT's program demonstrates the power of sports to bring people together, provide support and community for those facing difficult challenges, and give student-athletes a meaningful opportunity to make a difference in someone's life. The relationships formed through the program have a lasting impact on all involved, highlighting the importance of fostering a sense of belonging and connection, even in the face of adversity.