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BOSTON –The Boston University men's basketball team, in partnership with the nonprofit organization Team IMPACT, named seven-year-old T'Andre Cephas Harris as the newest member of the program on Monday afternoon at a press conference held in the Case Center. 
 
T'Andre, a Dorchester native, suffers from severe persistent asthma, a rare form of asthma which causes him to have frequent hospitalizations. As a member of the men's basketball team, T'Andre will be present at practices, games, team dinners and more, serving not only as a teammate, but also as an inspiration.
 
T'Andre comes to Boston University through Team IMPACT, a national nonprofit that connects kids facing serious and chronic illnesses to college athletic teams across the country.  Through the generous support of sponsor Boston Private, children with chronic illnesses are drafted onto local college athletic teams and become an official member of the team to support the child's physical, social and emotional needs. 
 
"We are all excited to have T'Andre join our team," said Boston University head men's basketball coach Joe Jones. "T'Andre already has been to a few of our practices and he has great energy and is a fun kid to be around. We are all looking forward to getting to know T'Andre better, so today is a special day for us." 
 
Monday's announcement marks the second time the Terriers have partnered with Team IMPACT, as they previously signed Dylan Flynn (age 16 at the time) in the fall of 2012. Dylan was diagnosed early in life with neurofibromatosis and continues to remain very close with the coaching staff and former student-athletes.

About Team IMPACT
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. Team IMPACT has more than 1,000 teams across the country waiting to be matched with children, ages 5-16, who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening or chronic illness and who could benefit from becoming a member of the team.

For more information about Team IMPACT visit www.goteamimpact.org