The Travis Roy Foundation is dedicated to helping people succeed through the struggles of spinal cord injuries. Please take some time to view some of our most recent success stories below.
Success Stories
Jeromie Ballreich
A college Junior, Jeromie was studying Mathematics and Economics at Lafayette College and had aspirations to work in finance after graduation. However, his life would be forever changed when he dove into the ocean waters, and on impact broke vertebrae causing instant paralysis and near drowning.
Read More...Dan Iagatta
Dan recently replaced his old wheelchair; however the new version no longer fit into his van. Faced with the prospect of losing his ability to drive, Dan applied for and received a $3,000 grant from the Travis Roy Foundation for van modifications to accommodate the new wheelchair. He was able to keep driving and donate his old chair to someone with MS that was in dire need of a wheelchair.
Read More...Dani Schirmer
Dani was granted $2800 from the Foundation for power-assisted manual wheels to allow her independence in her chair. She is delighted not to have to rely on people to push her wheelchair 24/7. Ironically, Dani knew about Travis Roy because he talked at her high school. Six years later Dani recalled Travis’ inspiration and called upon his influential work to receive a grant. She is grateful!
Read More...Midge Dawicki
“I have been able to maintain a positive attitude and face the challenges that are presented to me on a daily basis. I truly believe life is a gift, and even though I face it now in a wheelchair, I still have a full life ahead of me. I have decided to live without feeling sorry for myself. Actually, instead of dreading April 26 I celebrate it as my survival day.”
With the help of a grant provided by the Travis Roy Foundation, she was able to build a ramp on the front of her house. “I am so grateful for this opportunity. The phrase ‘There’s no place like home’ has never been so true until now.”
Read More...Luther Vucic
“A simple thank you does not seem like enough to say but I do not know of another word to say. The generosity of your organization gave me more than just a wheelchair; you gave me part of my life back that I thought I had lost. I hope to be able to return the favor to someone else in a similar situation as I found myself.”
“Thank you very much and I hope that the Travis Roy Foundation will continue to provide to those of us that find themselves in need.”
Read More...Margaret Romph
Margaret Romph was injured in a car accident two years ago. Margaret sustained injuries at C-1&2, and C-6&7. She was just five years old. The Travis Roy Foundation helped the Romph family purchase equipment that has made a difference in caring for Margaret. A $3,000 grant covered the costs of an adjustable work table and accessories which monitors her pulse and oxygen; an ECU which lets her control her TV, lights, dvd player, etc.
“Having Margaret’s infectious smile with us everyday is a joyous reminder that she is with us”
Read More...Bobby Hornback
At 30 years old, Bobby Hornback was working as a building contractor in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In September of 2005 his life changed forever when a fall from a tall building that he was working on left him with a C4-5 neck fracture.
After reaching out to the Travis Roy Foundation, Bobby received a grant to purchase an Aquila alternating pressure wheelchair cushion to help heal the pressure wounds he was suffering from.
Read More...Chris Dongoski
“I sometimes thank GOD while riding up on the elevator and thank Travis Roy on the way down.”
“We will never be able to thank Travis and everyone at the foundation enough for the incredible gift which has enabled me to access my home as I did before my injury.”
Read More...Katie Estrella
Katie was attending a local horse show in Jurupa, California. When she entered the arena, everything was fine, until she took a turn around the first pole. After the turn, Ryan, her horse took off in a running buck and she fell off, landing right on her shoulder blades. Paralysis was immediate.
Katie’s adaptive driving equipment, which was funded by the Travis Roy Foundation, has enabled Katie to live a more active lifestyle. She revels in the freedom of taking a drive whenever she wants. Being able to drive has removed another barrier, and will help enable her to live a more productive life.
Read More...Alex Adcock
Although Alex has been through experiences that warrant defeat, he continues to push through the obstacles in his life. Sleepless nights were a frustration for Alex and his mom as she had to wake and turn him every two hours to prevent pressure sores. Thanks to the Travis Roy Foundation, this obstacle has been eliminated. The purchase of a specialized pressure-relieving mattress allows Alex and Kristy to sleep for six hours straight. Alex is comfortable, less disturbed, and sleeps soundly. Kristy is able to take better care of Alex because she is rested. She stated “The mattress saved both of our lives, literally! Thank you! Thank you! Thank You!”
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