Matched with the Montclair State University Men’s Soccer team, Toby and his family recently spent time on Capitol Hill advocating for patient needs for those living with hemophilia. His family took part in the National Hemophilia Foundation Conference, speaking directly to senators about the need for drug administration and resources to support kids like him—all while representing Team IMPACT!
Joining Toby on Capitol Hill was Thomas, his little brother, who is currently in the process of being matched with his own team after the family was positively impacted by the experience Toby has had with his team.
“You really don’t know what to expect when you enter into this partnership,” said Toby’s mother, Kim. “We’ve loved cheering on the team through their season, but the lasting relationships we have built has lifted us up with unexpected support through good and bad times. We are blown away by how it has positively impacted Toby and our family.”
“We’ve loved cheering on the team through their season, but the lasting relationships we have built has lifted us up with unexpected support through good and bad times. We are blown away by how it has positively impacted toby and our family.”
– Kim, Toby’s Mom
Toby’s advocacy efforts have inspired his team to take action themselves, motivating many to join Toby and his family for the Unite for Bleeding Disorders walk last October. This is a true testament that not only are Team IMPACT student-athletes changing the lives of their matched children, but these children are inspiring growth and awareness for student-athletes in equal parts.
March and April bring awareness to the thousands of people living with bleeding disorders, with March being Bleeding Disorders Month and April 17th as World Hemophilia Day. Hemophilia chapters nationwide support Team IMPACT, providing many referrals of children with blood disorders who have been matched through the program. Team IMPACT was featured recently in both New York and New Jersey chapter newsletters and recently teamed up with the New England Hemophilia Association (NEHA) to bring the program to more families in the hemophilia and bleeding disorder communities.
“Team IMPACT provides a unique and empowering experience for children in our community who are living with a bleeding disorder,” said Rich Pezzillo, the Executive Director of the New England Hemophilia Association. “Through our collaboration, we can connect children with college athletic teams, creating a supportive environment where they can thrive and be part of a team. Team IMPACT’s commitment to improving the quality of life for kids with chronic conditions aligns with our mission at the NEHA. We are grateful for this valuable relationship.”
Doing such important work at such a young age is an inspiration to all. We can’t wait to see the bright future ahead for Toby and the Montclair soccer team.
