Some lucky Duval County middle or high schools could receive new football helmets this academic year thanks to a new campaign from The Tony Meduri Fund, Inc. called Play It, Protect It, that will focus on concussions in youth sports.
There are about 3.8 million concussions that occur in competitive sports each year in the United States, and more than half of these concussions occur in children. Concussions are a mild traumatic brain injury or “TBI” and can happen in almost any sport, at any moment. It happens when there is a physical blow or jolt to the head.
Concussions in youth sports are particularly concerning as recent evidence suggests that the earlier in life a concussion is experienced, the higher likelihood of having prolonged complications. This is potentially due to injuring a brain that is still developing. There are 30 million kids in organized sports programs throughout the country. Concussions result in more than 100,000 emergency department visits for school-aged children each year in the United States.
The organization plans to raise funds to purchase high-quality helmets which can cost upwards of $1,000 per helmet; generate awareness of concussions by working with local area Athletic Directors to give presentations; and engaging students as youth ambassadors to spread the word via social media.
“While there is no concussion-proof helmet, a high-quality helmet can mitigate the risk of a TBI,” said Anne-Marie Tucker, president and founder of the organization. “To raise the funds for helmets, we of course need financial donations from the public and organizations, and we are selling 'Play It, Protect It' apparel as well.”
The organization would like to select at least two schools to be the recipients of football helmets based on its fundraising, while the campaign lasts through 2020. Its goal is to raise $25,000.
The Tony Meduri TBI Fund Inc. is a local, nonprofit organization that has been operating since 2015 to raise awareness of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and support survivors. It started after Ms. Tucker’s father suffered and eventually died from a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The organization runs the well-known fundraiser Tony’s Turkey Trot in Jacksonville Beach each Thanksgiving.
Visit www.TBIFundInc.com for more information.
May 23, 2026
