BALTIMORE, MD – Johns Hopkins football coach Dan Wodicka and his 2024 team officially welcomed the newest member of the Blue Jay family, Ryan Bianco, at a special ceremony on Saturday, September 21.  Bianco, the first signee with the Johns Hopkins football program through its partnership with Team IMPACT, was first matched with the team in March 2024.

"We are humbled and honored to welcome Ryan and his family to the Johns Hopkins football family," Wodicka stated.  "The opportunity for our players and staff to get to know and build a relationship with Ryan, his parents, Chrissy and Mike, and his sister, Addison, has been extremely impactful and rewarding.  Ryan is a passionate football fan and we are thrilled that he is now officially a Blue Jay."

Bianco is a student at Severna Park High School and was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) as a child.  DMD is a severe form of muscular dystrophy that causes progressive muscle weakness and degeneration.  Bianco serves as the team manager for the Severna Park football program and is a big fan of the Baltimore Ravens and Baltimore Orioles.

Bianco officially signed on with Wodicka's Blue Jays at a ceremony prior to the Johns Hopkins-Salisbury football game on September 21.  In addition to his mom, dad and sister, all 87 Johns Hopkins football players, the entire coaching staff and members of the Department of Athletics administration were on hand for the signing ceremony.

About Team IMPACT
Team IMPACT is the only U.S. nonprofit that tackles the emotional trauma and social isolation experienced by children facing serious and chronic illnesses by matching them with a college athletic team. The two-year therapeutic program complements a child's medical treatments, allowing the child to develop relationships and skills that help them complete the full circle of healing.
 
Through participation in Team IMPACT's clinically informed program, children experience a true sense of belonging, resulting in increased empowerment, normalization, health promotion, and resilience. Families feel connected and supported as their child achieves individualized goals, while experiencing the joy of team camaraderie and inclusion; and student athletes gain perspective and inspiration, as well as lessons in adversity and resilience.
 
Founded in 2011, Team IMPACT has matched more than 3,300 children with 800+ colleges and universities in all 50 states.

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