Help TeamJundt and Lucas make history again!

Many of you may already know their story, but let me give you a quick glimpse into TeamJundt . It all started twelve years ago, in a large city in Inner Mongolia. Emma, Josh, and Lucas went from a life in a Chinese orphanage to one filled with incredible changes, athletic opportunities that they never imagined, and the chance to compete against some of the most talented athletes in the world. Amazingly, the story doesn’t end there. You can help!

Hi! My name is Linda Higdon. Feel free to call me Aunt Linda! Twelve years ago my sister, Heidi, and her husband, Peter, began the process of adopting three feisty kids from China. It's been an incredible journey, but as you might imagine, having 3 kids with physical needs in one family can be complicated and expensive. Add adaptive athletics at a high level to the mix and it got to be a bit overwhelming.

That’s why I launched this GoFundMe campaign.

The sudden shock of a new culture, language and family life, leaving all of their friends behind was just the beginning. Since their arrival, it’s been years of surgeries, amputations and new prosthetics, braces, and crutches to correct spina bifida, faulty fibulas, and club feet - just to get them to the starting line.

That's when they discovered something so unexpected! Adaptive athletics!

First, in the front yard of their home in Atlanta there were soccer games, as well as baseball, basketball, and even learning how to swim for the first time at ages 7, 11 and 12 in a local pool. Then there was the impromptu baseball game at a local park; using one of Lucas's prosthetic legs as an instant baseball bat!

But even then, none of them would know the doors that were about to be opened to them.

An unexpected job change took them to Kenosha, Wisconsin. Everything started new once again.

Then it happened!

A random encounter at COSTCO in Kenosha in the Winter of 2018 with Cindy Housner, the Executive Director of GLASA (Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association) opened the door they didn't even know was there. That chance encounter at a COSTCO changed the trajectory of their lives. A door was opened and they ran through it; and they haven't stopped.

It was the beginning of something big

The Spring of 2019 introduced everyone to the world of adaptive sports and high school sports. All three of them found themselves thriving in the highly competitive environment it offers.

Then, 2020 and COVID-19 hit! The world came to a stop, along with all competition and even in-person workouts. So they did it on their own! Working out at every opportunity both individually and virtually with their team.

Early morning workouts at empty tracks, trails, or parks, Zoom workouts with the team and even virtual “races” all took the place of their normal training time. What did Josh, in particular, do? He put himself on a daily schedule to do weight lifting 3 hours a day!

In 2021, the world began to open up again, and all the hard work during the lockdown year of 2020 paid off. In the following years they began to make a name for themselves on the track and in the Adaptive Athletic community.

And the media! Reporters, both at home and across the nation, began to take notice and share their story; because don’t we all need to be inspired ?

November of 2022 saw TeamJundt competing in an international sports competition called the IWAS World Games 2022.

Of the 30 athletes were selected across the entire US, Emma, Josh, and Lucas, were 3 of them!

It was an incredible trip, made possible only through the generosity of so many people who helped by providing the financing possible. The video below is a little recap of that adventure

2023 has seen their journey continue. TeamJundt has competed in Illinois & Wisconsin (Great Lakes Games ), Wisconsin (Dairyland Games ), Alabama (Move United Nationals ), California (Paralympic National Championships ), racking up more accomplishments along the way.

Their accolades, since they began this journey in 2019, are too long to list here; but take a look at a few highlights.

Emma

Joshua

Lucas

And between the 3 of them (for track and field events in 2022 and 2023 alone) they won:

97 Gold Metals

25 Silver Metals

and 10 Bronze Metals

LIGHTNING STRIKES AGAIN

Once again this year, Lucas has been selected to compete internationally. He will be joining the Move United/US team going to the 2023 World Abilitysport Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand (December 1-9, 2023) to compete with some of the best adaptive athletes from around the world.

BUT WE NEED YOU! HE CAN’T GO WITHOUT YOUR HELP.

Over the next 45 days, we have a big hill to climb. But God has been faithful every step of the way and I know He has got this-

Here’s where we are!

By November 30 we need to raise $5,300 so Lucas can keep going as a rising international athlete. It covers his team expenses for the World Abilitysport Games trip.

A stretch goal is to make sure Lucas gets all the moral support he needs so far from home. Another 5-10k means mom and/or dad can be right by his side cheering him on in Thailand.

(An extra-stretch goal is to help TeamJundt to retire about $5,000 in expenses that have remain uncovered from this year’s competition schedule.)

I know this is a big “ask” but I know and trust that God works by moving hearts! And as my friends in Kenya say “it takes a village!”

We need your help.

From a village in Inner Mongolia to an international competition in Thailand – a dream could come true!

Please, give any amount!

No amount is too small.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

And welcome to our village!