In 2013, Imler was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Through Team IMPACT, whose mission is to improve the quality of life for children facing serious and chronic illnesses through the power of being part of a team, Imler will officially become a member of the Penn State Altoona men’s baskeball team.

As the Lions’ top recruit entering the 2018-19 season, Imler will attend practices, games, team meals, events, and more. The 11-year-old will officially join the team during a special Draft Day ceremony at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 4 in room 218A of the Adler Athletic Complex. During the ceremony, Imler will sign his official letter of intent to become a member of the men’s basketball team. There will also be special remarks from Lions head coach David McGreal, Penn State Altoona Director of Athletics Brent Baird, and men’s basketball senior team captain Marshall Higley.

Team IMPACT is a national nonprofit headquartered in Boston that connects children facing serious or chronic illnesses with college athletic teams, forming life-long bonds and life-changing outcomes. Since 2011, Team IMPACT has matched nearly 1,600 children with more than 500 colleges and universities in 48 states, reaching over 50,000 participating student-athletes. The child joins the athletic team, and the student-athletes join the child’s support team. Throughout the journey, the child gains strength, camaraderie, and support while the student-athletes experience lessons of courage, resiliency, and perspective they can’t learn in a classroom.

Team IMPACT has more than 1,000 teams waiting to be matched with children, ages 5-16, who have been diagnosed with a serious or chronic illness and who could benefit from becoming a member of the team. If you know a child who may be interested, visit www.goteamimpact.org for more information.

This story was originally posted to the Penn State Altoona Athletics website August 28, 2018.