Tug McGraw Foundation

Ya Gotta Believe: Brothers Always

When a family friend of Kole's contacted the Tug McGraw Foundation regarding his story, we were moved to discover that his brother Kade had sacrificed his college baseball career to return home and help care for Kole. It truly reminded us of the bond between Tug and Hank McGraw—something they absolutely do for one another. Kole's Place is a heartfelt project we can definitely rally our amazing community to lend a helping hand!

Kole's Story

Kole's family and friends would like to introduce you to Kole Hebert. Kole is a young man who lived a modest life, loved the outdoors, fishing and hunting, and his passion for baseball is undeniable. This was all taken from him by a senseless act on January 6, 2024 when the offender aimed a pistol after picking it up, shooting Kole through the center of his neck/throat. The bullet went horizontally through his esophagus, spinal cord, and shattered his C-5 vertebrae resulting in him being quadriplegic. Within 1 second, his life was forever changed. There are many factors to this complicated grief for Kole, his entire family, friends, and community. Kole’s story is a deeply moving testament to resilience, love, and the impact of a close-knit community. His journey—marked by his love for baseball, outdoor activities, and the bond he shares with his brothers—was forever changed by this tragic shooting. The senseless act left him quadriplegic, but his unwavering spirit and determination to continue living a fulfilling life have inspired many.

Kole’s story paints a vivid picture of a young man whose dedication to his passions and to his family was apparent in every aspect of his life. From his years of sacrifice, missing birthdays, and holidays to the pride he took in earning a baseball scholarship to LSU-Eunice, it is clear that Kole had a bright future ahead of him. His love for hunting, his connection with his brothers, and his dreams of continuing to play baseball spoke to a deep sense of identity and purpose. Following the tragic event, his community immediately came together and started a GoFundMe for his medical support. In this past year, the spending of this raise has dropped more than the family had hoped due to many state programs having waiting lists years out. The state of Louisiana is a poor one and the funding and grants are simply too limited to meet immediate needs, so families do suffer. Fortunately for Kole, he is staying afloat medically for now. However, his living conditions are another story. In comparison to many, Kole does have a home and he is very fortunate for this. However, he lives inside his living room, his air mattress replaced the sofa and is a few feet from the two recliners and entertainment center that

remain.

His old bedroom is simply too small, especially to fit his power chair. Kole is in desperate need of a shower room. He dreams of being able to shower again, rather than living off bed baths. In fact, his family home is quite small, and he must move furniture for him to pass to the dining/living room, which is connected. Kole also has to weight-shift (recline) his chair due to a bed wound that he developed on his tailbone in ICU chair so trying to be a part of the family in the living room to watch tv or eat together is incredibly challenging and impossible at times. The immediate need for his home to be adapted to accommodate his new life as a quadriplegic is so crucial. The physical and mental toll of this injury, especially at such a youthful age, is something that no one can fully comprehend. Providing him with a space where he can have more independence, more privacy, and feel a sense of normalcy again could be a major step in his recovery—both physically and mentally.

What Kole's and his Family Needs and why they are asking for your help:

Kole’s spinal cord injury story begins with a horrific accident that changed he and his family’s life. Understandably the return home has been a challenge. He wants to be as independent as he can, both physically and mentally.

1. A Home renovation that accommodates Kole’s needs and to make Kole’s Place a Reality SOON. The following are needed:

a. Contractor

b. Subcontractors

c. Materials

Some donations have been secured – but not enough

Home Depot

Cornerstone Doors & Windows

2. Accessibility/Mobility Accommodations

(Plans by architect are available upon request)

a. Handicap bedroom, with extension for (3) large pieces of equipment

b. Handicap shower room, with storage for shower chair

c. Wheelchair accessibility

d. Ramp access

e. Modifications to kitchen/dining room to home

f. A family room to accommodate Kole and his family to be together as one

By incorporating these considerations, we want to create a more accessible and supportive living space that fosters independence, safety, and comfort for Kole.

Despite the immense challenges he faces, Kole's determination to fight for recovery remains a source of hope. His journey is supported by the love and devotion of his family and friends, but the physical and emotional toll on the entire family is undeniable. For Kole, being confined to a small space in his home, facing daily challenges to even be part of family life, has underscored the need for change. His mother’s heartfelt desire to ensure Kole feels included, respected, and able to regain some semblance of independence reveals the profound emotional strength of his family.

How You Can Help

In response to the overwhelming need for adaptation, “Kole’s Place” project was born in April of 2024 by the Tug McGraw Foundation. This offered hope for a space that would accommodate Kole’s new needs. A Louisiana land developer took on the project for Kole’s place and assisted in a design that would have accommodated all of Kole’s needs. However, for whatever reasons he has since backed out. A new contractor agreed to come on board, met with the family and they came up with a design plan to move forward. To further assist, the Heberts hired an architect based on the previous planning to get the project moving, but the contractor was in need of more advanced floor plans to move forward, along with the bids from all subcontractors to develop a material list. The family simply cannot afford the thousands of dollars it would require to upgrade this. The family is overwhelmed with trying to get assistance on the start of this project. In addition, they are faced with funding gaps for these sub-contractors, additional supplies, etc. , which are resulting in more setbacks. Despite the support, there are significant logistical and financial hurdles standing in the way and we are simply struggling to find the support needed to help make the “Kole’s Place” a reality.

Kole’s need for help is urgent, and this deeply emotional journey highlights how much effort we are putting into supporting this project—despite the many setbacks. If there are contractors that can collaborate, or other resources to further receive support, whether from local communities or additional organizations, it would be life changing. The balance of hope, action, and facing harsh realities will be crucial as we navigate these challenges.

This story calls for the collective effort of professionals who can offer their skills, time, and resources or referrals. Those with expertise in construction or navigating local regulations can make a lasting difference in Kole’s journey. Although plans have been professionally prepared based on the previous contractor(s) and stamped for approval with the permit office, the family welcomes any other designs or ideas to simply give Kole an opportunity to live his life in his own space that he can move around in. Similarly, monetary contributions to the foundation on behalf of Kole’s Place, whether for materials or labor, could significantly ease the financial burden of the project and move it closer to completion to make “Kole’s Place” a reality.

Kole's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of cherishing every moment and the strength we find when we face adversity. His future, though changed in unimaginable ways, is still filled with potential and a continued ability to inspire others.