13 for 13

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Many people have favorite numbers. Mine has always been Number 7, it’s the one that does the trick for me. Our son Gordon, though, loved Number 13. He wore it proudly in High School and at College, and it became part of who he was. Gordon used to call himself a nerd, but to us he was something more, an intellectual soul who thought deeply about everything. His choice of 13 wasn’t random; it was intentional, like so much of what he did.

Thirteen is a paradox wrapped in a number. For centuries, it has carried the weight of fear and superstition, hotels skip the 13th floor, airlines avoid row 13, and Friday the 13th has become shorthand for bad luck. Yet, thirteen is also a number of transformation. It comes just after twelve, the number so many cultures consider “complete”: twelve months, twelve zodiac signs, twelve disciples. Thirteen steps beyond completeness and into possibility.

The moon circles the Earth about 13 times each year, tying the number to rhythms of life itself. And as a prime number, 13 remains indivisible, a reminder that some truths cannot be broken down further.  Thirteen unsettles because it pushes us out of comfort and into the unknown. To embrace thirteen is to embrace change itself.

That’s who Gordon was, someone who embraced the unknown, who thought deeply, who lived fully. His High School Jersey, Number 13, now hangs proudly in my office beside my own Number 7 from my College Football and Lacrosse days. They remind me daily of connection, legacy, and love.

Through the Gordon Corsetti, Mental Agility Foundation, we carry his spirit forward by supporting Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention. This year, our Foundation is holding a fundraiser with the goal of raising $13,000 by the end of the year (13 for 13). Every gift, no matter the size, helps us continue this essential work, bringing awareness, starting conversations, and reaching those who need it most.

Recently, Mary Jo and I traveled to Casper, Wyoming at the invitation of a dear friend and mental health professional. The event centered on Mental Health Awareness, Suicide Prevention and of course, lacrosse was part of it too. We introduced more than 250 kids to the game Gordon loved, combining sport with the vital message that mental health matters.

We hope you’ll join us in honoring Gordon’s legacy, in embracing the spirit of Number 13, and in helping us reach our goal. With your support, we can continue to bring light, hope, and awareness where it’s needed most.

Please read the latest blog (A Journey of Healing, Lacrosse, and Connection) from Gordon's Website below:


We are asking everyone if they can to donate $13 to Gordon's Mental Agility Foundation to Honor is Legacy and his love for number 13.  

With your kindness and generosity over the past two and a half years, you have helped us support the following organizations. We are deeply grateful for the love, encouragement, and commitment you’ve shown along the way.

  • Georgia Lacrosse Officials Association

  • Will to Live Foundation - Life Teammates

  • Live For Jamie - Team 8

  • Summit Counseling Center

  • Elite Lineman Training Institute

  • Fight Against Suicide

  • No Let-Up Foundation

  • Project Kenny

  • Casper Boys and Girls Club

  • Asheville Empire - Hurricane Relief efforts 

Thank you for your continued support - Love Mary Jo and Coach Lou

For those of you that need help please see the resources below:

Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for help. In an emergency, please call 911.

If you or someone you know is seeking help for mental health concerns, visit the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) website, or call 1-800-950-NAMI(6264).

For confidential treatment referrals, visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website, or call the National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP(4357).