A teenager from Liberty Township is turning a deeply personal challenge into a story that’s inspiring a community—and gaining national attention.At just 16 years old, Liam is living with KIF1A, an ultra-rare neurodegenerative disorder that affects mobility and development. His specific genetic variant is so rare, he’s currently the only known person in the world diagnosed with it.Despite the daily challenges—including muscle tightness and balance difficulties—Liam found freedom on the ice through sled hockey, a sport that allows him to compete and thrive.“Hockey means a lot to me,” Liam said. “It’s the one sport I can do without losing my balance and falling all the time.”That passion for hockey led to something even bigger.Through Team IMPACT, a nonprofit that connects children facing serious illness with college athletes, Liam was paired with a player from Miami University Hockey—senior forward Blake Mesenberg.What started as a mentorship quickly became a meaningful friendship.“Being introduced to Liam has been incredible,” Mesenberg said. “He’s had an impact on our team every single day.”Mesenberg admits the experience also changed him, helping him grow both personally and emotionally as he learned how to support Liam and better understand his journey.Now, Liam is giving back.He nominated Mesenberg for Team IMPACT’s 2026 Teammate of the Year Award, which recognizes athletes who go above and beyond for their teammates. Mesenberg is now one of just five finalists nationwide.“I couldn’t be more thankful,” Mesenberg said. “But this was never about an award. I just wanted to be there for Liam as much as possible.”For Liam and his family, the experience goes far beyond hockey. It’s about raising awareness for KIF1A and showing others facing rare diseases that they’re not alone.“What Miami means to me,” Liam said, “is they’re like one big family.”From a small township in Ohio to a national stage, Liam’s story is a powerful reminder of resilience, friendship, and the impact one bond can make.To vote, click here.

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP, Ohio —

A teenager from Liberty Township is turning a deeply personal challenge into a story that’s inspiring a community—and gaining national attention.

At just 16 years old, Liam is living with KIF1A, an ultra-rare neurodegenerative disorder that affects mobility and development. His specific genetic variant is so rare, he’s currently the only known person in the world diagnosed with it.

Despite the daily challenges—including muscle tightness and balance difficulties—Liam found freedom on the ice through sled hockey, a sport that allows him to compete and thrive.

“Hockey means a lot to me,” Liam said. “It’s the one sport I can do without losing my balance and falling all the time.”

That passion for hockey led to something even bigger.

Through Team IMPACT, a nonprofit that connects children facing serious illness with college athletes, Liam was paired with a player from Miami University Hockey—senior forward Blake Mesenberg.

What started as a mentorship quickly became a meaningful friendship.

“Being introduced to Liam has been incredible,” Mesenberg said. “He’s had an impact on our team every single day.”

Mesenberg admits the experience also changed him, helping him grow both personally and emotionally as he learned how to support Liam and better understand his journey.Now, Liam is giving back.

He nominated Mesenberg for Team IMPACT’s 2026 Teammate of the Year Award, which recognizes athletes who go above and beyond for their teammates. Mesenberg is now one of just five finalists nationwide.

“I couldn’t be more thankful,” Mesenberg said.

“But this was never about an award. I just wanted to be there for Liam as much as possible.”

For Liam and his family, the experience goes far beyond hockey. It’s about raising awareness for KIF1A and showing others facing rare diseases that they’re not alone.

“What Miami means to me,” Liam said, “is they’re like one big family.”

From a small township in Ohio to a national stage, Liam’s story is a powerful reminder of resilience, friendship, and the impact one bond can make.

To vote, click here.