Bellarmine basketball signs 9-year-old with leukemia through nonprofit Team IMPACT

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The Bellarmine Knights basketball team added a special player Thursday, a 9-year old boy.

Isaiah White was matched with the Bellarmine basketball team through a partnership with the nonprofit Team IMPACT. Team IMPACT pairs kids with illnesses and disabilities with college athletics teams across the country.

Isaiah was diagnosed with a form of leukemia at 5-years-old. After two years of chemotherapy at Norton Children's Hospital, he relapsed in October 2023.

With his signing Thursday, Isaiah is set to take part in practices, games, and other special events with the team.

"To see him get excited about something again, it's really awesome," Christina White, Isaiah's mom, said.

Christina said Isaiah had just started playing basketball in the third grade when his leukemia relapsed.

"For him to be a part of a team again, it's just really special," Christina said.

For the players, the partnership also gives back to them as well.

"It was truly amazing, we are happy to have him," Grant Whitaker, Bellarmine guard, said. "Everything he provides to us... his toughness, his grit."

The Knights have a long history of helping kids battling illnesses. Isaiah is the third special addition to the team in recent years.

With no body or weapon, the circumstantial case against Brooks Houck begins Tuesday

Louisville teen summit helps students connect Juneteenth to Black history, culture

Gov. Braun signs 10 health care-related bills, bringing 'substantial reform' to Indiana