MANCHESTER, N.H. – The Southern New Hampshire University men's and women's tennis teams officially signed Paul and HarleeGrace Gaffney, both of Manchester, N.H., to the program Thursday after being matched with the siblings through Team IMPACT.
At the age of two months old, Paul, 12, was diagnosed with Canavan disease at the age of two months old, while HarleeGrace, 10, then received the same diagnosis at birth. Canavan Disease is a chronic, neurological, degenerative disorder. Both Paul and HarleeGrace love being around people and making new friends. Paul has found joy in being active in his adaptive cheer team and loves to go to school. HarleeGrace enjoys art projects, Moana, and wearing bows in her hair. In addition to their parents, Heidi and Paul, Paul and HarleeGrace now have the support of the SNHU men's and women's tennis teams.
Following a few words from head coach Greg Coache, Paul and HarleeGrace's Letters of Intent were signed before Heidi and Paul fielded questions from assembled media and fans.
Team IMPACT is a non-profit organization that improves the quality of life for children facing life-threatening and chronic illnesses by matching them with collegiate athletic teams. Paul and HarleeGrace become the ninth and 10th current members of the SNHU family through Team IMPACT, as well as its 12th and 13th all-time letterwinners since 2012.
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