MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Today, Sept. 15, the Marquette Men's Basketball team along with Team IMPACT signed on a significant team member - BJ, a local Milwaukee 10-year-old with sickle cell disease. 

Team IMPACT is a national non-profit organization that helps children with serious illness and disability connect with college sports teams and today they meet their honorary 4,000th match with BJ and three other children. 

"This milestone is more than a number, it represents 4,000 children who have found a team to stand by them, cheer for them, and walk with them through life's toughest challenges," said Krissie Kelleher, CEO of Team IMPACT in a press release. "We are thrilled to reach this milestone, but even more excited for what's ahead as we further our commitment to providing every child in need with a team."

Since being founded in 2011, Team IMPACT has strived to improve the quality of life for children battling serious and chronic illnesses - by matching them with college teams they take part in practices, games and other team activities, giving them a sense of inclusion and support. 

They also recently signed an alliance with NCAA, something that NCAA President Charlie Baker will give student-athletes a meaningful role to play in their communities.

"Together, we're working toward a future where every college in America has the opportunity to match with a child in need, because every child deserves a team," Baker said in a press release. 

BJ is kicking off his first season with the Marquette Men's Basketball team this September, which is also Sickle Cell Awareness Month. 

The program is seeking out new partners, college programs, donors and volunteers to join them. For more information you can visit their website here.