When tragedy struck the Allen family on Super Bowl Sunday in 2019, no one could have predicted how their journey would transform not only their own lives but the lives of countless others across the nation.
Tim Allen was driving his son Will home from baseball practice when a devastating accident left 7-year-old Will with brain and spinal cord injuries, resulting in paralysis from the chest down. In the face of unimaginable pain and heartache, the Dripping Springs community united around the Allens with extraordinary support, from around-the-clock care in the hospital to fundraisers that generated well over $100,000.
"The community rallied around us and lifted us up spiritually, emotionally, and financially," Tim reflects.
At this pivotal moment, Tim made a decision that would define his future. "I had always been a believer, but it wasn't until I experienced this life-threatening situation that my faith was tested," he shares. "Initially, I asked, 'Why did this happen, Jesus?' And then I realized I had a choice. I could continue to ask why and be angry, or I could accept that this is the path God chose for Will and me, and move forward."
Tim and his family chose gratitude, focusing on their three biggest blessings: Will's beating heart, healed brain, and functioning arms.
This shift in perspective led to the creation of the WillPower Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping children and young adults with spinal cord injuries (SCIs).
"I had a good job, good health insurance, good friends, and a good community," Tim explains. "But I realized there are a lot of families out there who don't have that kind of support."
While maintaining his full-time job, Tim, with help from his wife Shara and a few friends, transformed the original fundraisers benefiting Will into annual events benefiting other children and young adults.
To date, the Foundation has assisted 12 young people with SCIs locally and nationwide, including a wheelchair athlete at the University of Alabama who received $25,000 in support.
It has also helped Luca Picucci, a Dripping Springs High School graduate who suffered a SCI in June 2024.
“Since the day Luca was injured, the Foundation has been a support for our family,” says Ali Picucci, Luca’s mother. “They allowed Luca to access critical physical therapy that our family could not have afforded without their support.”
Tim and the Foundation’s support has gone far beyond easing the Picucci family’s financial burden. “Tim and his family have met with us many times,” Ali says. “They really understand what it’s like to go through a spinal cord injury, and we’re so grateful to have their friendship and support.”
Tim’s dedication to helping children and young adults with SCIs doesn't stop with the Foundation. Through Will’s involvement in ATX Abilities Wheelchair Basketball, Tim has also stepped into the role of coach and mentor, guiding and inspiring the next generation of athletes with spinal cord injuries.
While his team has achieved remarkable success on the court—going undefeated and winning national championships—Tim has also made it his mission to provide his players with crucial emotional support.
“I don't treat these kids any differently than I would treat kids with an able-bodied basketball team,” Tim says. “I know them. I know their stories. When they get nervous about a game, I can look at them and say, ‘This is nothing compared to what you've been through. Now go out there and have some fun!’”
“We want these kids to feel like they’re a part of a team,” Tim continues. “We’re competitive and we care about winning, but when I can get a kid on the court to smile, it’s a big deal for me.”
Tim is quick to point out that his daughter Kyla, a freshman who plays soccer at Dripping Springs High School, is a “great athlete in her own right.” She has also played an important role in Will’s recovery.
“When Will got out of the hospital, Kyla slept on his top bunk for the first six months so she could help him with anything he needed,” Tim shares. “She’s fiercely loyal and protective of Will.”
He says his wife, Shara, also plays a huge role in Will’s ability to be resilient. “She’s a glass-half-full person,” Tim says. “Throughout it all, she’s always remained positive and reminded us to be thankful for the blessings we have.”
Now 13, Will aspires to become an engineer and Paralympian. Should he choose to, Tim hopes he’ll also take over the Foundation one day, ensuring its impact continues for generations.
Though Tim briefly considered moving away from Dripping Springs after the accident to avoid passing the intersection where it occurred, the overwhelming community support changed his perspective entirely. “I went from thinking we should move to not knowing how I could ever leave this community.”
For his unwavering commitment to paying forward the kindness his family received, his mentorship of young people facing similar challenges, and his vision for creating lasting positive change, Tim Allen has been named Dripping Springs City Lifestyle Man of the Year.
“I just want to try to help others the way I was helped,” Tim says. “I just want to be there for them the way they were there for me.”
TheWillPowerCommunity.org | @willpowercommunity
“I could continue to ask why and be angry, or I could accept that this is the path God chose for Will and me, and move forward.”
“They really understand what it’s like to go through a spinal cord injury, and we’re so grateful to have their friendship and support.” - Ali Picucci