Proctor
posted
Jan 24, 2013
Photo submitted
Brookelyn Kimball (age 7) and Shannon Watson (age 6) from
Proctor, Vt. sign their letters of intent after being drafted onto
the Green Mountain College Softball Team.
Cousins, Brookelyn Kimball (age 7) and Shannon Watson (age
6) from Proctor, Vt. were both drafted onto the Green Mountain
College Softball Team on Thursday, Jan. 17. This was made possible
through Team IMPACT, a non-profit chartered to improve the quality
of life for children facing life-threatening illnesses. This
program creates unparalleled team based support systems. Core to
the model is harnessing the power of teamwork by matching these
courageous kids with college athletic teams. Team IMPACT children
are drafted onto local college athletic teams and become an
official member of the team for the duration of their treatment and
beyond.
Brookelyn was diagnosed at age 4 with Juvenile Dermatomyositis
and Shannon was diagnosed at 7 months with Cystic Fibrosis.
On Jan. 17, the girls enjoyed a pizza party with the team and their
family and then had a draft ceremony where they signed their
letters of intent. They were then presented with team uniforms and
bags.
"It was a great evening for all involved and is providing both
girls with a wonderful experience that does not involve their many
trips to the hospital," said Brooke Kimball, Brookelyn's mom and
Shannon's aunt.
Brookelyn said she "hated having her disease but she was happy
that it got her to meet Casey and the team." Brookelyn and Shannon
will both be part of the team as long as they wish and are welcome
to sit in the dugout at games, come to practices, and have even
been invited to join the team for Spring Training!
