One Fall Can Change It All

JUPITER, FL – December 28, 2017 – Did you know that almost half a million kids are treated each year for traumatic brain injuries? Millions of Americans ride bicycles, but less than half wear helmets. For some, helmets may not look “cool,” yet they are the best riding accessory one can own. Why? Because helmets save lives.

Jupiter local John “Luca” Annunziata and his family have made it their mission to teach the importance of helmet safety through their foundation, Remember Luca Helmet Safety Foundation (RLHSF), due to a traumatic brain injury Luca endured at 11 years old.

While playing roller hockey, Luca slipped and hit the back of his head. Having not worn a helmet, he left with a headache, unaware that he had suffered an epidural and subdural hematoma. By night time, he became unresponsive and was rushed to the hospital.

Luca Annunziata hands out helmets with local Tequesta police deputies

“He was one in ten million to survive,” explains Darby Annunziata, Luca’s mother. “We came up with the idea to start the RLHSF while in the pediatric unit because I saw how many kids had suffered from brain or head injuries that could have been avoided by wearing a helmet. We wanted to turn a negative experience into something positive.”

Since 2016, the RLHSF has made an impact in the Jupiter community by collaborating with the Tequesta Fire Department and Police Station, and have donated nearly 200 helmets for officers to give out to individuals riding without a helmet.

The Foundation also held the Le Tour De Tequesta this past July where the Jupiter-Tequesta community came together to ride through the town and hand out helmets. A second ride will be held in the near future. A fundraiser was also held for the RLHSF’s one-year anniversary, where families across the country donated and celebrated Luca’s recovery. The family plans to hold one each year.

So, next time you’re about to hop on wheels, tell yourself, “Remember Luca” and strap on a helmet. And if a fall may occur, “When in doubt, check it out.”  

Keep an eye out for the “Remember Luca Helmet Safety Foundation” stickers in the community. 

» For more information on helmet safety, events, and the Remember Luca Helmet Safety Foundation, go to the Remember Luca Helmet Safety Foundation page on Facebook.