BALTIMORE – It can be very difficult for children facing serious illnesses and disabilities.
A national non-profit organization is tackling the emotional and social isolation that often accompanies the experience by connecting with college athletic teams through a unique program.
The University of Maryland makes an impact while building lifelong friendships.
Nine-year-old Cal Taylor from Alexandria, Virginia may be one of the youngest members of the Maryland Terps family, but he’s also the most powerful.
Cal has spent countless hours in hospitals and schools as he has battled an inflammatory disease.
But despite all the hardships, he persevered, fulfilling his love of Maryland football.
“It’s really cool and I got to know a lot of people. They’re really nice people,” Cal said.
Since 2011, the nonprofit TEAM Impact has partnered with over 700 colleges and universities to help children across the country through treatment programs designed to help them cope after treatment.
Most importantly, it provides an additional network of support.
“How did our relationship grow? Well, he texts me every day that he’s not good at Madden,” said Anthony Pecorella, a punter in Maryland “He texts me every day saying he’s faster than me.”
Through the power of TEAM, children and student-athletes embrace, motivate and inspire each other.
“I’m supposed to be teaching him a lot, but he actually taught me more than he knew,” said Pecorella. “It’s really inspiring because I don’t want anyone to go through what he went through. Just by watching him smile and attack, you can learn something from it.”
Pecorella said Cal is “the Terp for life.”
“Once a terp, a terp for life,” he said.
“I know people are rooting for me. Like he said, I’m not alone.
Amy Kawada
