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Notre Dame Junior Irish Reporter program, born from the partnership between University of Notre Dame Athletics and Beacon Health Foundation, gives Beacon Children’s Hospital patients the opportunity to meet and interview Notre Dame athletes. Meet these special kids, learn their stories and see them in action.
Get to know these amazing kids and find their full story and video below.
When 5-year-old Theo was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in February 2025, his family’s world turned upside down. Since then, he’s endured chemotherapy, transfusions, hospital stays, and countless challenges. Yet through it all, Theo has shown remarkable resilience and even selflessness, once reminding his mom, “There must be other kids that need help more than me.”
Beacon Children’s Hospital has given Theo and his family expert care close to home, making an otherwise overwhelming journey more manageable.
Recently, Theo got to live out a dream as a Junior Irish Reporter with Notre Dame Athletics. For a sports-loving kid, it was the ultimate bright spot, a chance to feel like any other 5-year-old.
Your support makes moments like this possible. By giving to Beacon Children’s Hospital, you help kids like Theo receive lifesaving treatment while still getting to dream, play, and thrive.
When 5-year-old Royalty was diagnosed with brain cancer, doctors gave her just a 10% chance of survival. After three brain surgeries, chemotherapy, and expert care at Beacon Children’s Hospital, she is now in remission, healthy, thriving, and full of spunk.
Recently, Royalty was named a Junior Irish Reporter, giving her the chance to interview a Notre Dame Player. For a little girl who never stopped fighting, it was the ultimate bright spot and a reminder that she’s still just a kid who deserves joy.
Her mom, Danyalle, is filled with gratitude: “I’m proud of how far she’s come. She didn’t stop fighting. Honestly, I’m just proud that she’s able to continue to be a kid and live the life she deserves to live.”
Your support makes moments like this possible for Royalty, and for countless other kids at Beacon Children’s Hospital.
Notre Dame vs. Boise State
When 5 year old Lily was diagnosed with a brain tumor, her family’s world turned upside down. After surgery and 29 proton radiation treatments, she is thriving today thanks to the expert care and compassion of Beacon Children’s Hospital.
This year, Lily was chosen as a Junior Irish Reporter with Notre Dame Athletics. Though nervous at first, she bravely completed her interview and walked away with a smile and a new friend. For Lily, it was more than just meeting a football player, it was proof that she could overcome fear and keep moving forward.
Her courage shines beyond her own journey. On her 6th birthday, Lily donated all her gifts to Beacon’s Pediatric Floor to help other children.
Your support makes stories like Lily’s possible. Together, we can ensure every child at Beacon has the chance to heal, to grow, and to keep dreaming big.
Just before her 6th birthday, Teagan was diagnosed with Wilms Tumor, a childhood cancer. After surgery, radiation, and 28 rounds of chemotherapy, she continued her treatment close to home at Beacon Children’s Hospital, where Dr. Snyder and her team provided loving and compassionate care.
Through it all, Teagan showed remarkable courage. “She handled chemo like a boss,” her mom said. “She didn’t care that she was bald—she stood proudly!”
Today, Teagan is back in school full-time and recently had the opportunity to serve as a Junior Irish Reporter with Notre Dame Athletics. Though nervous at first, she was excited to meet a football player and enjoy a moment that celebrated her strength and resilience.
Your support makes stories like Teagan’s possible. Because of you, kids at Beacon Children’s Hospital receive lifesaving treatment close to home and opportunities to dream big.
