Join Us In Funding Luca's Adaptive Golf Dream

Help Us Bring Adaptive Golf to Central Texas for Young Athlete Luca Picucci and Others!

Our Goal: $10,500 by June 6th – The 1-Year Mark of Luca's Life-Altering Accident.

The Stand Up and Play Foundation's Mission and Luca's Inspiration:

At the Stand Up and Play Foundation, our mission is to provide everyone with the opportunity to stand up and actively participate in life through adaptive recreation. We believe in the power of sport to heal, connect, and inspire. That's why we're honored to champion this GoFundMe campaign on behalf of one incredible young man, Luca Picucci.

Just five days after his high school graduation, Luca's life took an unforeseen path. A tragic accident in Mexico on June 6th resulted in a severe spinal cord injury, leaving him paralyzed in his legs. In the face of such adversity, Luca's resilience and determination to not only recover but also to create opportunities for others have been truly inspiring to us all. His spirit embodies the very essence of what our foundation stands for.

Discovering Hope Through Adaptive Golf: The Vertacat

Luca recently experienced the joy and freedom of playing golf again using the Vertacat, an innovative, specialized adaptive golf cart. This incredible device allows individuals with mobility challenges to stand up, swing a club, and navigate the golf course. For Luca, using the Vertacat for the first time was a profound moment – a glimpse of hope and a return to a beloved activity. "When I first tried the Vertacat, it was amazing and gave me hope to do something I wasn’t sure would be possible, play golf," Luca shared.

This experience is why the Stand Up and Play Foundation exists. We've seen firsthand how adaptive equipment like the Vertacat can transform lives, allowing individuals to:

-Enjoy the outdoors and the therapeutic benefits of recreation.

-Reconnect socially with family and friends in a familiar, inclusive setting.

-Rekindle their competitive spirit and passion for sports.

-Most importantly, feel a renewed sense of inclusion and normalcy.

Our Vision with Luca: An Adaptive Golf Program for Central Texas

Inspired by the freedom the Vertacat provided, Luca, in partnership with the Stand Up and Play Foundation, aims to establish a dedicated adaptive golf program in Central Texas. Together, our vision is to:

-Offer accessible golf opportunities for individuals with spinal cord injuries, missing limbs, and other mobility impairments.

-Foster a supportive and engaging community.

-Promote physical activity, well-being, and fun through outdoor recreation.

-Develop a model program that can inspire similar initiatives in other communities.

The Challenge We're Tackling Together:

The state-of-the-art Vertacat costs $30,000. We're thrilled to announce that Luca has already secured $9,000 from 28 incredible foundations that support adaptive equipment.

Where Your Support Goes

100% of donations go directly to the Stand Up and Play Foundation and are designated for the Central Texas adaptive golf program, including the purchase of the Vertacat and initial program startup costs. As a registered 501(c)(3) organization, all donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Join Us in Creating New Possibilities

Luca's journey over the past year is a testament to human resilience. He works tirelessly in physical therapy, striving for strength and independence. Yet, some experiences, like standing to play golf, require specialized adaptive technology.

By supporting this campaign through the Stand Up and Play Foundation, you're not just helping one young man; you're investing in a community. You're creating opportunities for individuals with mobility challenges to engage in an activity they love, experience the freedom of movement, and foster vital social connections.

Will you be one of the champions who help us bring adaptive golf to Central Texas?

A Note on Luca's Journey (Shared by Luca):

"The accident happened in Mexico, requiring emergency surgery and a medevac to a level 1 trauma center in the US to redo the entire procedure. My family and I are forever grateful to the friends who immediately started a GoFundMe for those medical expenses. This new campaign with the Stand Up and Play Foundation focuses specifically on bringing adaptive golf to our community."

"Five days after walking across the stage at my high school graduation, my life changed forever. On that first night of a celebration trip to Mexico, I fell three stories, fracturing my spine and suffering an incomplete spinal cord injury that left me paralyzed from the waist down.

In an instant, my identity as a three-year varsity football captain and middle linebacker—someone who lived and breathed athletics—was thrown into question. Yet through this journey, I've discovered strengths I never knew I had and witnessed the extraordinary power of community and faith.

After emergency surgery in Mexico, I required medical evacuation to a Level I trauma center in the United States, where my surgery was completely redone. I spent a month in the hospital. The outpouring of support was overwhelming.

When I asked the doctors if I'd walk again, they explained the unpredictability of spinal cord injuries. But they said if anyone had a chance, it would be someone like me - with my type of injury (incomplete vs. complete), my age, and my athletic conditioning. That gave me hope, and I resolved to dedicate every ounce of my determination to recovery. Progress is slow, measured in small victories like a new muscle twitch or discontinuing a medication – each a reason to celebrate.

My days are intense, with 6-8 hours dedicated to therapy and travel for about 12-15 appointments weekly. The discipline from football prepared me for this. I pray a lot for strength and focus on the positive. I've deferred my admission to Texas A&M this year to concentrate fully on rehabilitation, aiming to attend college next fall.

Before my accident, sports defined me. I was a 3-year varsity starter and captain for my 6A football team, earning awards like Varsity Newcomer of the Year, Central Texas Player of the Year for MLB, and Defensive MVP. Beyond football, I played basketball, ran track, and enjoyed spike ball and golf with friends and family.

The financial burden of specialized spinal cord injury rehab is immense. While we've been blessed with support, the costs are ongoing. A personal goal for me right now is this Vertacat adaptive golf cart. Being able to play golf again with my family and friends this summer, to be outside with them, would mean everything as I continue to work on getting better and stronger.

This experience has taught me to appreciate small wins and never take anything for granted. With support, determination, and the right equipment, I'm working hard every day to defy the odds."

Connect with the Stand Up and Play Foundation:

www.standupandplayfoundation.org

Tax ID: 27-2439757

Please note: no raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or promotions are offered in exchange for any donations made to this GoFundMe campaign.