At birth, now 7-year-old Quinton was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). A progressive disease that affects the lungs, pancreas and other organs, over 40,000 children in the US live with CF. While typically screened at birth, individuals with CF can be diagnosed at different ages, and symptoms vary from individual to individual.
For Quinton’s family, the reality of living with CF was scariest when he was just an infant. Having trouble breathing, he was being treated at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, a two-and-a-half hour drive from the Hill family’s home. At 3 months old, he had his first major surgery – cutting and rerouting an artery that had been crossing over his trachea. After a successful surgery, Quinton started to breath better, but the realities of living with CF continued. He paces slower in sports, and never thought he was good enough to be a true member of a team. He was spending many days inside, everyday requiring medication, and some days with intense vest treatments.
Then, he was introduced to Team IMPACT. A social worker at the hospital approached Quinton’s mom about the program, and shortly after that he was signed up and eventually matched with the Marshall baseball team. Being a part of the Herd has gotten Quinton active, and most importantly, knowing he can be a valuable member of a sports team. One day on the way to a game, he shared with his mom the impact he was feeling from this new brotherhood.
“Mom, I feel like I have a bunch of big brothers now, and that’s a feeling I never had before, and I love it.”
– Quinton, matched with Marshall baseball
From games to practices, and just hanging out, Quinton has become a “totally different kid.” Notes his mom: “He is so much more energetic and outgoing. He now interacts with others as if nothing is wrong with him. He doesn’t talk about himself as much, and he smiles so much more. He truly has found 40-plus new brothers and I will forever be grateful for each and every one of them, and the coaching staff as well.” Marshall Head Coach Greg Beals has seen a change in Quinton since signing him onto the team, as well as his players. “There has been growth from both sides – we have seen Q become more outgoing and confident in his interactions with our guys. We have also seen our guys gain a great love and connection with Q. We speak a lot about the word and concept of family – Quinton has become part of our Marshall Baseball Family.”
The CF community is vibrant. As Quinton’s mom shared, it’s a group of people across the country that understand what you are going through, even as total strangers. What’s so great about Team IMPACT and the Marshall baseball team is that they have also been such a tremendous support, even though they don’t experience CF in the same way Quinton and thousands of other kids do. But they show up for him, everyday, and have shown him it’s okay to be who he is, and he’s a vital member of their team.
Now nearing the end of second grade, Quinton is thriving at school and in life, with much thanks to his Marshall teammates. Quinton’s journey has been scary and sad at times, but watching him with his teams has been “the greatest joy of my life” says his mom.
“They understand what it takes to make someone belong. We couldn’t ever thank them enough. This program has truly changed Quinton’s life and I’m forever grateful.”
For teams considering getting involved with Team IMPACT, Marshall HC Beals reminds us it’s a “no brainer! This is a true relationship that benefits everyone involved.”