BOSTON — It’s been more than 16 years since Travis Roy, then a 20-year-old freshman, stepped onto the ice for his first-ever Boston University hockey game and was carried off a quadriplegic. A cracked vertebra left him paralyzed from the neck down.

Shortly after his accident, Roy regained limited use of his right arm — enough to move the joystick on his motorized wheelchair — but not his fingers. He has recovered no more movement since then.

Roy now lives in Boston, not far from the arena where he lost his mobility. He has written a book, “Eleven Seconds,” and he runs a foundation that gives grants for spinal cord injury research and equipment.

And on Wednesday, he spoke at BU’s Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences about the mental challenges of his injury. Beforehand, Roy previewed his talk with WBUR’s All Things Considered host Sacha Pfeiffer, and he described his return to school less than a year after his accident.

Travis Roy: It was a hard time. When I look back at everything that I’ve done — and I’ve had some nice accomplishments and some bumps in road — I don’t know what I was thinking when I decided I was going to come back to BU 10 months after my injury.

You know, from just going into the dorm, 24-hour care attendants, and just trying to figure out who I was, my life, how I related to my fellow students, how I was going to academically do it. And then the transition to my sophomore year there were things that I didn’t do very well that I needed to do better in trying to acclimate myself.

Sacha Pfeiffer: Like what kind of things?

The first time I went down to the cafeteria my freshman year in the wheelchair and going through the food line, and I’m thinking, “Oh my gosh, how am I going to fit in here and how’s this going to go?” And later, as I was finishing up, I realized that, as crowded as the cafeteria was, nobody came down and sat next to my table. All of a sudden I realized I am pretty darn different here. And I didn’t have a lot of confidence. I kept my head down.

And when I came back my sophomore year I promised myself that I’ve got to take some responsibility for this, and I’ve got to get my head up and look people in the eye and put a smile on my face and say hello, and it’s amazing what that simple gesture does.

Growing up, my parents, there was only one lesson that they shared with me as far as dealing with people with disabilities, and it was: don’t stare. And that’s true — you don’t want to stare. But the problem with that is that it makes you not acknowledge somebody. That looking them in the eye, it’s such a simple gesture to put a smile on your face and say hello because all of a sudden it makes me realize that that person has truly acknowledged me. And not only have they acknowledged me, but it shows a little bit of a comfort level that just opens that door for maybe another sentence or two or a little bit of dialogue.

You wrote that you try so hard to make sure that you are put together, that you are upright — things that seem so simple. But, as you said, it’s easy to be slouching and disheveled in a wheelchair.

It is.

And you felt that it was important to look put-together if you wanted to be treated with respect?

It’s so important. And maybe not so much respect, but the more “normal” you can look, the more people will treat you as normal.

You know, I don’t wear sweatpants unless I know I’m going to be home on a Sunday and not going out. And it’s a challenge to find clothes that fit. I mean, I don’t have abdominal muscles — there isn’t that nice tight stomach, you know? So I wear an abdominal binder and a little side support under my armpit that keeps me from falling over to the left and keeps me looking straight in the wheelchair. It’s a big part of people looking at you as an equal.

What is a typical day for you like now, if there is a typical day?

I have my care attendants. I call it the changing of the guards.

Every eight hours or so?

Exactly. I have a care attendant come at 7 in the morning to relieve the person that was there with me overnight, and she’ll bathe me and dress me and [make] a little bit of breakfast.

Now, I made that sound really simple, but that’s about a two-hour process. And then I’m usually at my computer by 9-9:30 answering emails. A lot of work with the Travis Roy Foundation. That’s been a lot of fun. That takes up a lot of my time. I probably put in anywhere from 30 to 40, 50 hours [a week] answering emails with that, and fundraisers. And then I make my living, though, working as a motivational speaker.

You wrote in your book, near the very end, “Soon, I see myself on my own two feet again, in 10 years.” Well, it’s clearly been more than 10 years.

Yeah.

Do you still believe a cure is coming in your lifetime?

I think that there will be a major cure in my lifetime. My bigger concern is I don’t know that I’ll be in a position anymore to benefit from that. The muscles and the bones and the osteoporosis and atrophying in the muscles. It’s been 16 years. It very well could be another 16 years. Thirty years in a wheelchair is a long time.

But, boy, if I could get a little bit more dexterity in my fingers and my arms, and to be able to get in and out of bed on my own, and if there was ever a day when I didn’t need the 24-hour care attendants, that would signify a “cure” for me.

You had mentioned that after your injury you spent six months in the hospital and then, I believe, six months in outpatient rehab — but you’ve had essentially no rehab since then?

That’s true, and I’m not real proud of that. At the same time, it’s a different culture now. When I came out of the hospital there weren’t any real therapies that doctors and therapists were encouraging me to continue to do. Now they have much longer, higher-intensity therapy. Some of that I’m sure I could probably benefit from to a certain degree. But to put in the time to getting the benefits of doing the physical therapy, I think it would cut in a little bit to the things I enjoy doing. And that’s a decision that I’ve had to make.

Having been a top athlete, do you have a way now to satisfy your competitive spirit, or do you feel like that goes away when you lose the ability to be physical?

No, there’s — I can’t deny I am still heartbroken with not only the loss of playing hockey and a game that I just loved. And not only did I enjoy the games, but my dad happened to manage an ice arena, and the nights that I spent in that rink all by myself were sort of my greatest moments. And the pleasure that I took out of challenging myself out on the ice. And along with that I miss being able to compete. I miss those emotions. I miss the idea of scoring a game-winning goal and that elation that you just cannot get anywhere else, and the pride that you have in your team. You just can’t replace that.

In the work you do now with your foundation and speaking, do you work directly with people who have spinal cord injuries?

People might be a little surprised to hear this: Not so much. And that’s intentional. People apply for the grants. I read their stories. I read their applications. It’s emotional. It’s hard. You know, it’s a father of three who jumped on the trampoline and now the side effects of that. But I can’t escape being a quadriplegic – trying to remember when I took my pills last, when was the last time I did a weight shift that prevents pressure sores, have I ordered my medical supplies, what care attendant is going to work on Thursday because I need to drive here or there. My mind is consumed with dealing with this injury. So what I’m saying is I don’t really want to surround myself anymore with other people with paralysis.

With that said, there are certainly times when I get together and I see people and I will say I learn more from my fellow quadriplegics or people who are paralyzed and I get so much out of that.

Right after your accident you were in the news everywhere. Al Gore came to your hospital. Bobby Orr helped do a fundraiser. Do you still feel remembered now?

I do. It’s very different. When I would roll down the street, there were a lot more whispers and, “There’s Travis Roy.” And there were perks that came along with that. I’d go out to eat and I didn’t pay for a lot of meals, you know? It was great. I pay for a lot more meals now! But part of me — it’s kind of nice just to blend in.

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Our inaugural event had four teams compete, we are expanding this year’s event to include a second Wiffle ball field.  In total eight teams will be competing in a round-robin tournament beginning at 9AM, with the championship game anticipated at approximately 3PM.

All proceeds from the day’s activities will be split between the Travis Roy Foundation and Franciscan Hospital for Children.

For more information

Make a donation

Become a sponsor

View 2011 Photos

View 2011 event video

$10,000 Cash Hole in One both days

 
Entry Fee $225 (or $200 by April 15th) includes:

2 days 36 holes; breakfasts; lunch; reception; dinner, auction; raffles; souvenir team photos; putting contest.

Sponsors:  Merlino’s Steak House; Michelob Ultra; Cranmore; Northway Bank; Wells Fargo; Pepsi

For more info call:  603-356-6006

BOSTON, MA – The Travis Roy Foundation is pleased to announce it has awarded $82,000 in adaptive equipment grants to 29 spinal cord injured survivors. The Boston-based charity distributes grants on a quarterly basis to spinal cord injured survivors in financial need and to research facilities investigating potential cures for paralysis.

To date, the Foundation has awarded over $2.5M in Individual Grants since 1997.  The 29 recipients who received grants this quarter included a senior in high school, a widow with four children and applicants of all ages from across the United States. This quarter’s grants ranged from $665 for vehicle modifications to $7,100 for a ceiling lift.  Additional funds were awarded to purchase wheelchairs, computers, mattresses, and shower chairs.

“It is heartbreaking to read through the grant applications and know we don’t have the resources to help everyone out. At the same time, I’m grateful the Foundation is able to assist as many applicants as we do,” said Travis Roy. “I’d like to thank those who contribute to the Travis Roy Foundation through our fundraising events for helping to make these grants possible.”

Recipients this quarter included:

Joseph – Massachusetts.  Has begun classes at a local community college.  A $1500 grant was awarded for an accessible workstation for his laptop computer.

Kim – Maine.  Car accident on New Year’s Eve, has 5 children.  Old farmhouse was not accessible.  Grant for $4,500 was given for home modifications.

Travis – Vermont. Car accident.  Received a $1200 grant for vehicle modifications in the amount of $1200, so that he would be able to drive again.

Jay – California.  Shot during a robbery.  Jay received a $3,000 grant for medical bed.

As the Boston College men’s hockey team torched past the Northeastern Huskies, I couldn’t help but think about the words of one man. This former hockey player became a solid force throughout the New England prep school hockey circuit. He was a dedicated, hardworking player. His dreams were finally realized in the form of an athletic scholarship to Boston University. This player, known by many throughout the college hockey community, is Travis Roy.

As most people know, devastation struck within Roy’s very first shift for the Terriers. On an attempt to check an opposing University of North Dakota player, he hit the boards awkwardly, resulting in the cracking of his fourth and fifth vertebrae. He became paralyzed, and was never able to play again.

The Monday before the Beanpot, the Beanpot held its annual tournament luncheon. Roy was the guest speaker for the event. He opened his speech by describing how honored he was to be asked to speak. He did, however, admit that it was still challenging not to have had the opportunity to play in the Beanpot.

“It’s a little bittersweet,” he said. “I can’t deny it. Surely anyone growing up in New England has dreamed of going to a Beanpot school. I was excited to be headed to BU so that I could have that experience.”

This sentiment made me think about not only the fragility of athletics, but also the emotions that athletes invest in their respective sports.

Roy went on to explain that one of the things he misses the most is the locker room atmosphere.

“I always remember our parents yelling at us to come out of the locker room an hour, half hour after the game,” he said. “Just because you love that moment, you love that time in there. The lessons you learn in there, and the camaraderie.”

Listening to a speaker like Roy can give athletes a lot of perspective. Here is a man who was at the top of the mountain, playing the sport he loves. In an instant, he lost that opportunity. He has the chance to reflect on the importance of sports. He undoubtedly values the little parts of the game, such as the relationships he’s made with teammates.

Roy described this idea of “the hockey family.” He said that the relationships made throughout a player’s career create a special bond between hockey players. This extends especially to the four teams playing in the Beanpot. Roy praised the support given to him and his family after his accident. He said that, “although there are divisions, those rivalries are dropped” during times of suffering and struggle.

The Beanpot epitomizes the values necessary in sports. There are four teams playing for pride. These are players, coaches and fans who realize the beauty of the game. Roy was the perfect speaker for this event, because he has the perfect attitude of a Beanpot player.

Watching Johnny Gaudreau score two goals in his Beanpot debut and Paul Carey collect two scores in his final Beanpot tournament finale, it is easy to tell that this Eagles squad appreciates the little things. There is a sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship that is necessary for playing under a head coach like Jerry York, and this team has it.

There’s something special about this team. The players seem to have the sportsmanship necessary to take their games to the next level. They have faced adversity. Between the goalie shuffle, loss of a strong senior class and several tough conference losses, this team has not had the smoothest season. However, they seem to have overcome this adversity.

York has applauded the leadership of captains Tommy Cross, Paul Carey, and Barry Almeida all season long, and with good reason. These three players have led by example and have helped this team mature on the fly.

Monday’s victory over Northeastern seemed like the culmination of this team’s season-long development. The whole team played tough at both ends of the ice. They made the necessary passes, created turnovers and took care of the puck.

This team values the opportunity to play in the Beanpot tournament and respects the honor that comes with donning the maroon and gold. They respect all aspects of the game, just as Roy expressed in his speech.

Although there are certainly rivalries amongst these four schools, it is easy to see the respect between coaches, players and schools. This tournament epitomizes what is good in athletics. It’s athletics in its purest form. Playing for the glory and pride of Boston. This is the kind of game Travis Roy played. It’s the kind of play that York expects from his team. It’s the way sports should be played.

Published: Wednesday, February 8, 2012 Updated: Thursday, February 9, 2012 02:02

Click here to view original article in ‘The Heights’

If you’d like to be a sponsor for John and his team, or for more information – please send us an email:  info@travisroyfoundation.org

Support John and his team.

If you are in the area, please head over and cheer them on!  Or make a donation to their fundraising page.

Marion — Travis Roy still has a soft spot for Tabor Academy.  A former Seawolf, Roy was the man of the hour February 4 for the 16th annual Travis Roy Cup hockey match between Tabor and the St. Sebastian Arrows, held inside the arena named for him. But coming back, he said, can be bittersweet.  “When I was here, I was able-bodied and had the whole world ahead of me,” he said. “I can still remember that.”

In May 1995, Roy graduated from Tabor and headed to Boston University on a hockey scholarship. Just five months later, Roy slid headfirst into the boards during a matchup against the University of North Dakota—cracking his fourth and fifth vertebra, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down.

Since his accident, Roy has spent the last 16 years traveling across New England as a motivational speaker and generating donations for the “Travis Roy Foundation.”

Roy established the foundation in 1997, which has since generated more than $4 million for spinal cord injury research. Roy said one day he hopes the research will lead to a cure and give people suffering from spinal cord injuries a chance to walk once again.

Roy said the hockey rivalry between Tabor and St. Sebastian’s School in Needham began with the coaches and the athletic directors.

The coaches from both schools thought an annual game would make for both a great hockey game and fundraiser, he said.

“It’s amazing what a great series it has been over the years,” Roy said. “The games are often close and usually go into overtime. It’s great for high school hockey and fun to watch. There’s always a great atmosphere.”

Tabor Athletic Director Dick Muther said Tabor has a “natural connection” with the Travis Roy Foundation.  “There are two very important goals of the foundation,” Muther said. “One is to improve the quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries and two is to find a cure. Travis means a lot to us here, and we want to do what we can to help.”

To date, the Travis Roy Cup has raised over $85,000 for the foundation, Muther said.

This year, St. Sebastian’s claimed the cup for the ninth time with a 5-4 win over the Seawolves.

Tabor College Counselor Mary Kate McCain has been attending the Travis Roy Cup games since Tabor won the first cup in 1997. McCain said the annual event is something most of the Tabor faculty looks forward to every year.  “It’s a wonderful event to honor Travis and to bring him back here while also raising money for spinal cord injuries,” McCain said. “This event always seems to bring back alumni.”

Overall, the 16th annual Travis Roy Cup gathered $8,500 in donations for the foundation.

Besides watching great hockey and raising money for his foundation, Roy said he was happy to see the familiar faces.  “I spent two of the best years of my life here at Tabor, playing hockey and having a great time,” Roy said. “It’s a fantastic school and community. I always think how fortunate I was to be here as a student.

Article and Photos by Jennifer Heshion.   View original article in Sippican VillageSoup

Dr. Macklis, who is also a Professor of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Neurosurgery at MGH-HMS, and his lab, are primarily interested in the Corticospinal System (which involves the brain cells and neurons that connect the motor area of the cerebral cortex from the brain down through the brain stem, continuing down the spinal cord) and how such neurons develop. Researching the corticospinal motor neurons, which get crushed, compressed, or severed during a spinal cord injury, will play a vital role in finding a cure for paralysis as it is the injury of their axons which leads to the loss of voluntary motor activity anywhere below the level of injury. Dr. Macklis’ lab wants to know how to get those neurons to be rebuilt, regenerated, and repaired.

He also believes that a cure is within rational, reasonable, logical reach and that the grant that he has received from the TRF is special because it enables him and his team of researchers to lead the most ambitious part of their work.

There are three stages of Dr. Macklis’ research that the TRF grant is used towards: (1) Identifying and projecting the molecules and genes to make the corticospinal neurons go long (instead of simply stopping in the neck), all the way down to the lumbar area of the spine that controls the leg functions, and even further to the part that controls bowel and bladder function.  (2) Using genes to find specialized stem cells or pro-generators that are poised to make new corticospinal motor neurons.  (3) Utilizing mice in the labs that have human equivalent spinal cord injuries to test and work on.

It is the hope of these stages, once combined and mastered, to contribute to the enhanced future treatment of spinal cord injuries and to one day soon find a cure. For more information on Professor Jeffrey Macklis and to view a video about his most up-to-date research and relationship with the TRF, please click here. To learn more about the TRF and their spinal cord injury research information, browse through the articles on our SCI Research page.

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Dr. Jeffrey D. Macklis, MD, D.HST – A professor of stem cell and regenerative biology at Harvard and professor of neuroscience, neurology and neurosurgery at HMS, Macklis is credited with starting a new field of biology. The goal of his research is to achieve the cellular repair of the brain and/or spinal cord circuits damaged by diseases such as ALS, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and spinal cord injuries.

Since 2002, Dr. Macklis has been Director of the newly established Massachusetts General Hospital-Harvard Medical School Center for Nervous System Repair (MGH-HMS CNSR). He is also Program Head, Neuroscience, Harvard Stem Cell Institute and Co-Director for the Regeneration and Repair Program of the Harvard Center for Neurodegeneration and Repair. He attended MIT, HMS, and graduate school at MIT within the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology. He was a postdoctoral fellow in developmental neuroscience with Richard Sidman at HMS. He trained clinically in Internal Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and adult neurology in the Harvard-Longwood Neurological Training Program. Until moving to MGH in 2003 to establish the new MGH-HMS CNSR, he was in the Division of Neuroscience at Children’s Hospital, and was Co-Director of the Parkinson’s Disease and Related Disorders Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

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TRAVIS ROY FOUNDATION: Founded in 1997, the Boston based 501 (c) 3 Travis Roy Foundation distributes grants to spinal cord injury survivors in financial need and to research projects and rehabilitation institutions across North America. The Travis Roy Foundation is uniquely positioned to touch individual lives with its focus on providing adaptive equipment and sponsoring research. In the US alone, there are approximately 1,275,000 people currently living with a spinal cord injury and 13,000 new injuries each year.

Broomball is played on the ice with modified paddles, a small rubber ball, and no ice skates. With 10 teams of 10 registered, Hill’s three-hour tournament provided non-stop action on the ice. The final face-off of the night was between a team comprised of members of the boys’ varsity hockey team against a team of third form boys from Dutch Village dorms. The hockey team, playing on their home ice, claimed the winning title. However, it was Sam Norton ’15 who was voted the MVP.

During the event, pizza, sodas, baked goods, and Travis Roy sweatbands were sold. In addition to registration fees and concessions, the students received two large donations.  Headmaster Dougherty matched the amount raised ($673), bringing the total to $1,346. Additionally, Rich Pentz ’99, a friend of Travis Roy’s brother-in-law, made a generous contribution of $1,000. In all, The Hill will donate $2,346 to the Foundation.

During the 2009-2010 school year, the class of 2013 made a commitment to support the Travis Roy Foundation throughout their four years at Hill. Travis Roy visited The Hill and gave an inspiring talk about the lessons he learned and challenges he faced after sustaining a spinal cord injury which left him completely paralyzed after 11 seconds in the ice hockey rink during his freshman year at Boston University. After his talk, the class of 2013 presented Travis with $1,500 that they had raised for the event. Last year, the class held a “Photo Fair” fundraiser that raised more than $2,000 for the foundation.

The Hill School