Team IMPACT helps kids with illnesses join favorite sports teams

Patriots players and local leaders gathered for a fundraiser for Team IMPACT Wednesday night.

The foundation helps to make dreams come true for kids battling serious illnesses by pairing them up with college sports teams.

Gov. Charlie Baker, Patriots owner Robert Kraft and Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman were among those in attendance for the event, along with a cast of Edelman's teammates.

"We play football, but that’s just a job," Patriots safety Patrick Chung said. "When I’m done playing football, I want people to say, ‘He was a good person.’"

The annual gala benefits a non-profit organization close to Kraft's heart.

"This is just unbelievable," Kraft said during the event.

His son, Dan Kraft, co-founded Team IMPACT, and said the organization helps the kids get away from any struggles in life.

"It takes them away from the isolation, the monotony of hospital visits," Dan Kraft said. "It makes them a part of the team."

One child involved in the organization is 13-year-old Jude Stamper, who was born with a disorder called AMC, which causes him to have stiff joints and limited mobility.

The lifelong Michigan basketball fan signed with the team, and joined them on their run to the Final Four in 2018.

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"I had a lot of surgeries the past couple months, and they've been there and supported me," Stamper said. "They came over and visited, and we got ice cream and stuff. Just little things that make me happy."

The organization has grown to have 1,500 kids involved, and Team IMPACT is still looking to grow.

Cox Media Group