Child with cancer gets an experience of a lifetime at UToledo bowl game

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – Helping kids with serious illness become champions in their own lives. That’s what one nonprofit aims to do as it partners children across the nation with a college sports team.

Six-year-old Charley Myers was diagnosed with Leukemia when he was just four years old. He’s been partnered with the UToledo football team for an experience he’ll never forget.

It’s all part of Team IMPACT, giving the family an extension of their support system.

Charley Myers and his family are able to go to games, watch from the stands or the sidelines, see practices, and even hang out with the players. Charley Myers has eagerly joined in on some video games and ping-pong matches.

One of the recent highlights has been seeing the Rockets face Pittsburgh at the GameAbove SportsBowl, which went into a riveting six overtimes.

Charley’s dad, Chad Myers, said it’s been a bright spot for his son when times are tough.

Team IMPACTs Midwest Program Director, Kiernan McGeehan, said the nonprofit has helped nearly 4,000 children get partnered with teams to date, in all 50 states.

“We really want to be able to give them a group of guys or girls to be in their corner when they are having any tougher days to help them through those days but also celebrate any big milestones or any successes that they are achieving in their life,” McGeehan said.

A recent success for Charley Myers has been completing Chemotherapy. He rang the bell on December, 27.

“We had a couple of coaches and a couple of players show up to support him and I think that meant a lot to him,” Chad Myers said.

McGeehan, with Team IMPACT, said the program helps give children, like Charley, a sense of belonging.

“We typically see that our kids gain more confidence, they become a little bit more social, and independent,” McGeehan said.

Chad Myers said his son is like a completely different child.

“The coaches even said like the first time we saw him sign with the team he was very shy, he was very intimidated, and very scared,” Chad Myers said. “Going up there and just ringing the bell and just feeling confident in saying ‘hi’ to everybody and things like that, his confidence has grown.”

Charley Myers isn’t the only kid to be partnered with a team from UToledo. There are four other children paired with student-athletes on teams ranging from cross-country, to basketball, softball, and tennis.

To apply to be part of Team IMPACT, click here.

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