Update: Travis' surgery today

Hello everyone! Travis had a surgery today to close up his backside wound! A plastic surgeon came and did the surgery. He just pulled a "flap" of skin that was near the wound, and stretched it over the wound! The doc said it was tricky, but they got it to work. So far the skin seems to be doing well. He has to wait for 5 days to see if the skin takes to the new skin it's on. They want to make sure the blood source is still working. If it doesn't, then the flap will die, and the docs will have to take a flap from another area of his body, probably his thigh. But, this is such a big step in recovery!!! This was a major wound, and once it's healed, the docs will be able to focus on his ortho injuries (broken back and pelvis.) He is in a lot of pain, but that should subside as the skin heals.

Trav got a visit from Larry Miller

Hello everyone. This week marks the second month since Travis got hurt! I can't believe it has been that long already! Travis is still improving well. He had another surgery today, and he's looking good, but it causes him a lot of pain. All the little accute pains and nuances are really starting to add up and get annoying. But the docs say hopefully on Thursday, they will close his backside wound up. It is a HUGE step in the process! They say that they will only have to do a skin graft, and not a tissue rotation on him as well! Once that wound is healed, they will be able to work on his broken back. They still have to figure out how they are going to fix it, whether it be surgery or just a back brace. There are always speed bumps along the way, but Travis is staying positive. He loves having Maddy here. It brightens up his day when he sees her! Another fun thing that happened was Larry Miller came to see him! The shows I remember him in are Princess Diaries, he's Paulo the beautician, and Raising Helen, the car buyer, and 10 Things I Hate about you, the dad! He really made Travis happy! He was very funny, and just lifted his spirits.

Update: Maddy is in DC!!

Here is an update straight from Steph:


Hey to everyone!!! I hope you have all had a pleasant week! We had an eventful one! Our dear little Maddy came to be with us! My parents flew her out here on Wednesday, and she will stay with us until Travis is ready to go home. Travis was overjoyed in seeing her. It was 10 months since he had last seen her. It was a beautiful reunion, and Maddy really liked seeing her daddy. It only took her 1 day to warm up to him. Now, she sits on his bed with him, and watches cartoons, eats snacks, and builds forts. Travis couldn't be happier.

Travis keeps improving slowly. He is still batteling a lot of pain. Rehab will be the hardest part for him, but he is very strong. Next week, the docs and plastic surgeons will try and close up his backside wound. They will have to cut about an inch thick of skin, rotated up to his lower back and butt. (it's confusing, but that's the best way I can describe it!!) After they close it up though, they will be able to work on his spine. They still have to fully assess it and see what the damage is!

On a happy note, on Thursday, our first celebrity came by. Ron White. He's a comedian with the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, and one of Travis' favorites. He was very nice, and we got a picture and autograph!!!

I would just like to say quickly that all the media frenzy about Walter Reed has made me sick. Travis has recieved nothing but the best care here. If it weren't for the docs here (and help from above) he might not be here. Maddy and I are also being very well taken care of. The system has kinks in it, but they're being worked out. Overall, this is THE BEST place for Travis to be and recover!

Thank you all so much for your emails, and cards. They really cheer up Travis. We love you, and hope the best for everyone!!!
Love, Steph