Imagine going into the bathroom every morning looking at yourself in the mirror as you slowly scrape the excess skin off your face, and it gently falls into the sink. Looking at yourself in the mirror as if you’re different from the rest. Seeing as to how different you are, you become reserved and quiet because you’re so uncomfortable or afraid to be teased about how you look.
That’s the life of 8-year-old Cate Zavitz after she was diagnosed with Autosomal Recessive Congenital Ichthyosis (ARCI). ARCI is a form of skin disease in which her skin grows too fast where she has excess skin on her body causing her to overheat easily, decreasing her ability to sweat and control her body temperature.
However, Cate’s life completely changed when her mom, Sam Zavitz, received a phone call telling her that Team IMPACT had found a match her alma mater Kennesaw State.
“Oh my gosh it was my home team, and it was amazing and I was really excited,” Sam said about finding out her daughter was matched with Kennesaw State. “I had no idea they would match us over here because we live an hour away. So, we were thrilled to get a match here and it brings back so many memories being here.”
Team IMPACT is a national organization, based in Boston, whose mission is to improve the quality of life for children facing life-threatening and chronic illnesses through the power of team. Team IMPACT children are chosen for college athletic teams and become official members of the team from signing day through to graduation.
Cate officially signed with the Kennesaw State’s women’s basketball team for the 2016-17 season. Cate received her own jersey with the No. 35 and will be able to watch all home games from the sidelines and online. She will never have to be alone again as the Owls have accepted her as family, or as they like to say adopted her as their new sister.
“When I told the team, I was really excited, and I said ‘hey you guys we’re going to adopt a little girl,’” coach Agnus Berenato said. “And they started hugging me and I said, ‘no not me, us as a team.’ They were so excited. We all feel very fortunate we’re all here, and we have great jobs, and everyone on my team is on full scholarship. So, they have the luxury of running and skipping and do whatever.
“I think this really brings it close to home, and they bonded immediately with Cate and her family. I think it’s a way for them to give back and show gratitude to KSU.”
For Cate, the Owls’ decision to adopt her fills a huge void in her life.
“It feels great because I always wanted a sister or a brother because sometimes it gets a little lonely when I don’t have someone to play with,” Cate said about how she feels about her new sisters. “I feel great and so excited I’m being drafted to be an official member of the team.”
Cate is a strong person and has found a way to find the positive side to every situation, including her own.
“The butterfly is my symbol because if you look very closely at the butterfly it has scales like I have extra skin; it’s kind of like scales,” Cate said.
“Cate taught us that in the very beginning,” Berenato said about Cate’s butterfly symbol and what she has taught them. “I have had her and met her family and we met as a team on the court. She gave everyone one of her bracelets. Cate’s beautiful like a butterfly is beautiful, and I’ll be honest I didn’t know that butterflies have scales. And Cate educated me and told me that they fall off and grow back, just like her skin and scales. You don’t see a butterfly that you don’t go, ‘oh my gosh that’s so pretty.’ And when you look at Cate it’s just the essence of beauty.”
Being on the team and bonding with her teammates has impacted Cate in a positive way.
“She is more self-confident,” Cate’s mom said about how this has impacted her daughter. “She is talking to people she doesn’t know and she’s reaching out. We’re really seeing that she’s looking past where she’s really quiet and reserved and in herself. She’s moving on and matching with other people. She’s just looking past what her skin looks like and looking out into the world.”
Junior Chloe Branch agreed that Cate has had a great impact on the team.
“Since the first practice that she came she’s been so inspiring to us,” Branch said. “Sometimes we think we have it hard on the court, having to run and do different things. Just her story and how she’s persevered has inspired us. We got a little sister, but she’s been our inspiration as well.”
Cate’s life is forever changed thanks to Kennesaw State and Team IMPACT, and she will never be alone again. When asked about who her favorite player is Cate said, “Uhhhhh everyone.”
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