This year at Team IMPACT, thousands of moments across college campuses reminded us why this work matters and why community is at the heart of everything we do. We believe every child deserves to feel seen, celebrated, and included, in their neighborhoods and schools, on their teams, in their medical communities, and on every campus across the country. For families like Jess Ng-Hinojosa’s, that isn’t just a belief—it’s a lived experience.
Jess’s son, Evan, is matched with the Dallas Baptist University men’s basketball team, and through their experience, something powerful unfolded: connection, confidence, and a sense of belonging that reaches far beyond the court.
“Team IMPACT brings connection, inclusion, and the chance for our son to be part of something bigger than himself,” Jess shared. “We’re grateful that Evan feels seen and welcomed by the DBU basketball team. It gives him teammates, role models, and experiences that build his confidence, while giving our family a community that embraces him and allows him to shine in ways we never could on our own.”
That’s the heart of Team IMPACT: creating spaces where children of all abilities aren’t just present but fully immersed. That sense of being seen, of belonging exactly as you are, is what Team IMPACT exists to create. For so many children facing serious illness or disability, sports can often feel out of reach. For families like Jess,’ Team IMPACT opens the doors to build lifelong relationships rooted in the joy, respect, and unwavering support that comes through team. “Team IMPACT is important to families like ours because so often our children are seen as ‘other’ and unintentionally pushed to the sidelines,” Jess said. “Team IMPACT changes that. They make our kids part of the ‘in’ crowd. There is incredible joy in watching your child be valued for his strengths and personality, rather than defined by what he can’t do. That sense of belonging is something every family deserves, and Team IMPACT makes it possible.”
This is a feeling Jess, and everyone at Team IMPACT, believes every child deserves, and Jess’ firsthand experience seeing her son in the program drives her to do everything she can to give more kids like hers a team of their own. “We support Team IMPACT because Evan wouldn’t have these experiences without them,” Jess said. “Team IMPACT creates a space where children of all abilities can find joy, confidence, and identity through sport. We’ve seen firsthand how they change lives, and we’re grateful to give back to an organization that means so much to our family.”
Because of Team IMPACT and the DBU basketball team, Evan has teammates who cheer him on, role models who show up for him, and a community that recognizes his value. He has made friendships every parent dreams of for their child.
“Donations fuel a mission of heart, purpose, and connection,” Jess says. “They empower kids, embrace families, and inspire communities. The partnership between a child and a team becomes something bigger than any one individual, creating a shared purpose that uplifts everyone. Giving helps continue this life-changing work and reach even more families.”
Evan’s story is one of hundreds that reflect exactly why Team IMPACT exists. Every child deserves to belong. Every family deserves community. Every team deserves a new friend like Evan. Together, you can support this mission for years to come.
