In an inspiring celebration of courage and community, Decatur ISD 5th-grader Heston Goggins officially joined the Texas Christian University football program during a special Team IMPACT Signing Day at the John S. Justin Athletic Center.
Diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at just 3-years-old, Heston’s journey has been defined by strength and resilience. For 3 ½ years, he and his family fought their way into remission. The fast-moving illness is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow that causes the body to produce too many immature white blood cells.
Through Team IMPACT—a national nonprofit organization that connects children facing serious illness and disability with college athletic teams—the STEM Academy at Enis Elememtary student has spent the past several months building a close bond with the Horned Frogs before officially putting pen to paper.
Inside the TCU Football Team Room, Heston was welcomed by TCU Head Coach Sonny Dykes alongside members of the football team and coaching staff. As the team’s newest 11-year-old signee, Heston signed an official letter of intent, solidifying his role as an integral part of the TCU Football family. He was joined at the event by his dad, mom, sister, three brothers, grandparents, and friends.
"The players, coaches, and Team IMPACT staff have embraced Heston in a way that has had a profound impact on him and our entire family," shared Heston's father, Mark Goggins, who also serves as an assistant principal at Decatur High School. "Above all, our hope is that this opportunity can be used for something greater than ourselves—that through Heston's story and the incredible people God has placed in his life, we can reflect hope, joy, and love."
Throughout the experience, Heston’s been invited to join the Horned Frogs football program on the game day field – a stage that has helped share his story with some 40,000 fans, many of who later shared their prayers and well wishes for Heston’s continued recovery.
Heston’s experience has also brought a spotlight to Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this September. While relatively rare, pediatric cancers are the leading cause of death from disease among children in the United States. Sharing the Goggins’ family experience stands as a powerful reminder of the resilience of young warriors and the incredible difference a strong, supportive community can make in bringing hope to families navigating childhood cancer.
Team IMPACT’s mission centers on building tight-knit relationships between collegiate athletic teams and children, utilizing a clinical model focused on socialization, empowerment, and resilience. Since its founding in 2011, the multiyear program has matched over 4,500 children across 850+ colleges and universities in all 50 states, impacting more than 112,500 student-athletes.
For Heston, the signing day represented a dream fulfilled—standing tall alongside his new teammates, surrounded by the love of his family, community, and his Horned Frog team.
To learn more about Team IMPACT or nominate a child or team, visit www.teamimpact.org. To learn more about childhood cancer, including ways to support research, visit https://www.aacr.org/patients-caregivers/awareness-months/childhood-cancer-awareness-month/. Locally, organizations that leverage donor support to uplift children and families in the fight against cancer include Abby's Joy and Raquel's Wings for Life.
Photo Credit: TCU Athletics and Communications and the Goggins Family.