When 7-year-old Amelia became a part of the Grand Canyon University dance team, she found more than just teammates. She found mentors, role models, and friends.
Amelia, who was born with a heart condition, was matched with GCU dance through Team IMPACT in 2024. Since then, she and her little sister Ellie have been welcomed with open arms.
Among the cheer and dance teams at GCU, two teammates stood out to the family: Kiki and Christianna.
“Katey (Kiki) has gone above and beyond making Amelia and Ellie feel special and part of the team,” Amelia’s mom, Robyn, shared with Team IMPACT. Whether it is teaching Amelia how to cheer, organizing an Easter egg hunt, making her a “special assistant” during the team headshots, or including her in games, Kiki has been a role model for Amelia and Ellie and made them consistently feel like they belong.
“She has given so many hours and so much love. She is such an amazing person with the kindest heart.”
Christianna has also played a huge role in both Amelia and Ellie’s time with Team IMPACT, helping them gain confidence and learn new skills throughout their time with GCU dance. “She always gives them so much attention and love,” their mom said. “From coordinating games, carrying Amelia across campus on her shoulders during parades, dancing with her, putting her on top of the cheer pyramid, and helping her find confidence, Christianna has been such a blessing and the best teammate!”
“You can see how Amelia really looks up to Christianna,” her family shared, “she has been such a blessing and the best teammate.”
Both Kiki and Christianna have helped Amelia discover true confidence, joy, and a sense of belonging at GCU, reminding us that Team IMPACT has the power to change children’s lives through the power of friendship and allowing children to be a part of a team.
