At just 10 years old, Elijah has already faced more challenges than most people do in a lifetime. Living with 22Q11.2 deletion syndrome, a rare genetic condition, Elijah’s complex medical journey includes more than 65 diagnoses. But in September of 2024, his story took a new turn when he became an official member of the Arcadia University men’s hockey team through Team IMPACT—and that’s where he met Donnie Feldman.
From the moment they were matched, Donnie has been more than just a teammate—he’s been a mentor, a friend, and a source of strength for Elijah. Elijah’s mom, Sarah, said, “He’s been a great mentor and friend since the moment Elijah was matched. After every game he made sure to come out and talk with Elijah and truly make him feel welcomed.” Donnie quickly turned into a friend, so when Team IMPACT was asking for nominations for Teammate of the Year, Elijah and Sarah knew Donnie had their vote.
Their bond was instant and deepened with every interaction. Donnie not only showed up, but he listened. He cared. He took the time to understand Elijah and support him in meaningful ways. “Donnie always listened to what Elijah wanted to do with their time together,” Sarah shared. “He always tried to help in any areas that I identified Elijah as struggling in. Whatever the need, Donnie has figured out a way to address it and make the match memorable, fun, educational, and therapeutic.”
Some of Elijah’s favorite moments are the epic knee hockey tournaments with the team, but for Sarah, the standout memory was a game where she realized this friendship transcended sport. The team hosted an 22Q awareness game for Elijah, allowing the team and all their fans to learn more about Elijah, the diagnoses he lives with, and why he is such a valued part of the Arcadia hockey program. And as often as their schedules allow, Donnie and his teammates come to Elijah’s games to cheer for and support him just as loudly as he does for them.
The impact has been powerful and visible and gone far beyond the ice and the sport of hockey. “When we first met a few of the guys, Elijah would barely let go of my hand,” Sarah recalled. But now? “He’s walking right up to them and initiating conversations.” That kind of growth, confidence, independence, and connection, allows Elijah to just be Elijah, surrounded by his teammates-turned-friends and anchored by Donnie. “Donnie helped Elijah face fears,” Sarah said.
And perhaps the most touching part of this friendship is how much Elijah wants Donnie to be part of his everyday world. “I love that Elijah wants to share everything with Donnie,” Sarah said. “It’s always, ‘Mom, send Donnie a picture of this,’ or ‘Mom, tell Donnie about this.’ He always looked forward to their next meeting and hanging with the guys.”
Elijah and Donnie’s story is a reminder that real teammates don’t just play together—they grow together. They support, encourage, and celebrate each other through every challenge and triumph. At Team IMPACT, we’re proud to witness—and share—friendships like Elijah and Donnie’s.
