LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Bellarmine University Head Basketball Coach Scott Davenport added to his roster on Thursday afternoon by signing 7-year-old Seth Walsh through Team IMPACT, a national non-profit organization that has developed a unique multiyear program that matches children facing serious illnesses and disabilities with college athletic teams across the country. 
 
Seth, who is five-time leukemia survivor from Mt. Washington, Kentucky, was officially introduced at a "signing" press conference on Thursday at Bellarmine's Knights Hall at the conclusion of the youth basketball camp being offered through the Bellarmine's men's basketball team.  Seth and his older brothers Brayden (11) and Max (9) are participating in the camp.

By signing with the team, Seth will participate in many activities with the men's basketball team including games, practices and other events.

Seth's battle with leukemia began with his diagnosis the day after Christmas in 2018.  After initially responding to chemotherapy, he relapsed quickly setting off an arduous treatment journey that has included two bone marrow transplants (with donors being brother Max and an anonymous donor) and trips to children's hospitals in both Cincinnati and Philadelphia.

"The cancer has been hard-hitting, and Seth has had a lot of treatment in a short amount time," said Michelle Walsh, Seth's mother. 

A humanized, CAR T-cell treatment that is still in the trial phase and not yet FDA-approved was Seth's last treatment three months ago. Tests just prior to Memorial Day, show that he is in total remission but remains in palliative care.

Michelle Walsh said the Team IMPACT association arose when the family learned of the organization through the Virgina Tech (husband Trevor's alma mater) lacrosse team sponsoring a Team IMPACT player.

"Seth loves sports," Michelle said, "so this was a perfect fit.  We contacted Team IMPACT to get involved and Bellarmine immediately said 'yes' to having Seth join the team."

This will be the second time a leukemia patient has been included on the Bellarmine men's basketball team.  Patrick McSweeney, now 23, has been involved with the Knights for many years, and he even got to suit up in a game when Bellarmine played Louisville in an exhibition in 2014.
"This is a tremendous day for Bellarmine University and Bellarmine Basketball," said Davenport. "Life's lessons are an incredibly important aspect of learning at ALL levels. Seth's drive and determination will teach everyone a value that I encourage everybody to emulate.

"Seth is a tremendous example of what Bellarmine Basketball teaches on and off the floor," Davenport added.

About Team IMPACT
Team IMPACT's unique multiyear program signs children facing serious illness and disabilities onto college athletic teams across the country. Based on a clinical model, Team IMPACT guides a symbiotic relationship between teams and children focused on socialization, empowerment, and resilience, ensuring everyone involved has the personalized game plan they need to win – effectively building confidence and independence. Founded in 2011, Team IMPACT has matched more than 2,300 children with 700+ colleges and universities in 49 states, impacting more than 60,000 student-athletes. If you know a child or team who may be interested, please visit www.teamimpact.org.
 
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