WILMINGTON, Ohio – The Wilmington College men's soccer team has a new member. In partnership with Team Impact, Ben Wyers, a 12-year old from Springboro, Ohio, is officially a Fightin' Quaker.

Team Impact is a national, non-profit organization that connects children facing serious and chronic illnesses with collegiate athletic teams to form life-long bond and life-changing outcomes.

As a Fightin' Quaker, Wyers will take part in all practices and be on the bench for Wilmington men's soccer games.

"Ben [Wyers] is a fighter, has a great attitude and an unbreakable spirit which epitomizes what it means to be a Wilmington men's soccer player," Head Coach Alex Van der Sluijs said. "We couldn't be more excited to announce and welcome Ben as a part of our team."

Wyers battles with the effects of Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID) on a daily basis. Mainly, his body doesn't hold on to antibodies and is unable to fight infections. Because of this, he receives five-hour IV infusions every four weeks. This causes fever and fatigue for a day or two. The disease has also affected his growth, which he combats by taking growth hormones.

According to his mother, Stephanie, he does a phenomenal job handling the challenges.

"Ben does have some 'woe is me' moments, but we never allow them to last long," she said.