Robert Shaffer tosses a football with kicker Drew Bevelhimer. Photo by Josh Doering
The Butler University football team picked up a late addition to their recruiting class with the signing of 8-year-old Robert Shaffer.
At 2 years old, Shaffer was diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, or FSGS, a rare kidney disease. FSGS is treated with a regimen of medicine and makes Shaffer’s immune system so weak even a common cold could be fatal.
The team officially signed Shaffer in a ceremony on Aug. 15 through Team Impact, an organization working to improve the lives of children with life-threatening and chronic illnesses.