A Bond Beyond the Diamond
When six‑year‑old David Hill was diagnosed with B‑cell leukemia at three, his world shifted dramatically. His father, Josh Hill, recalls the shock of the diagnosis and the long road of treatment that followed.
A year after the diagnosis, Dr. Patrick Thompson connected the Hill family with the University of North Carolina baseball program through Team IMPACT, a nonprofit that pairs children facing serious illnesses with college sports teams. The arrangement placed David at the center of a supportive community that extended far beyond the hospital walls.
The partnership quickly became a cornerstone of David’s support system. He attended the Tar Heels’ annual Shoes4Hope event, and when his chemotherapy concluded, the team gathered for his bell‑ringing ceremony, cheering as he marked the end of treatment.
Players Who Became Friends
Players such as Jake Knapp, Boston Flannery, and Luke Stevenson made a point of spending time with David, whether sharing a high‑five on the field or chatting during practice. Their genuine interest was evident in every interaction, turning ordinary moments into lasting memories. Other teammates such as Folger Boaz, Gavin Gallaher, Carter Hicks, Walker McDuffie, Carter French, and Kyle Percival also made regular visits, ensuring that David always felt part of the squad.
The bond deepened when the entire UNC roster traveled to Omaha to watch the College World Series Championship Final, a trip that allowed David and his father to experience the excitement of the sport they had come to love from a new perspective.
For Josh Hill, the outpouring of care has been a source of strength. He emphasizes that the team’s involvement is not a charitable gesture but a sincere friendship that has lifted his family’s spirits throughout the toughest chapters of David’s illness.
As David looks ahead, the connections he has forged with the Tar Heels remain a testament to the power of sport to heal, inspire, and bring joy in the face of adversity.