Shriners Commercial and 3 Weeks Post-Op

Travis continues to heal beautifully from the 8-plate surgery at Shriners earlier this month. He's enjoyed playing at the pool several times since the doctors gave him the "go ahead" for pool time at his follow-up appointment on June 10th. T's mobility increases each day along with his independence for daily activities.

During PT last week, Travis tried walking with 2 crutches to provide stability while making T put weight on his left leg. (No surprise that T's figured out how to move using the walker without putting much weight on the left leg.) The emotions started at that point in time and part of me wanted to run to a corner and cry. While I know this tool will help T so much in the long-term, we added another tool/reminder of the differences from "traditional" life. Once Travis grew accustomed to the crutches, things moved quickly and Travis transitioned to 1 crutch.

Travis trying out 2 crutches, eventually he only used 1

On the way out the door, we "happened" to see our friend Dawn, the PR manager at Shriners Hospitals for Children - Salt Lake City. Dawn said the new national video for Shriners Hospitals included Travis and wanted to show us the video (see link below). My spirit needed this lift.

Backstory...Travis participated in a photo shoot for promotions celebrating the 90th birthday of SLC's Shriners Hospitals for Children last November. In January (the day before we left for Florida), our family met with an individual who works for the national Shriners campaign regarding Travis' story and the potential for our story to be told to help Shriners Hospitals for Children. We loved meeting with Becky and Travis loved talking race cars with her (she's also a huge NASCAR fan). Turns out, the national team selected T's story as one of several to be filmed in Salt Lake City. :)

Travis' photo shoot for SLC Shriners Hosptials for Children 90th Birthday 

Travis in the group photo for 90th Birthday

Travis, Nolan, and Barrett being filmed for national Shriners Hospitals for Children commercials

Filming during PT (and yes, Travis got to keep the big bear Fez)

We spent 2 afternoons in May at Shriners for filming, the first day focused around T's story along with video of T with Nolan and Barrett plus PT with Mark. The second day featured an interview with Travis about "Love is...". (The night of the first taping, we realized Travis probably felt pain based on his ease of frustration. The second day Travis took pain meds, much better result for the interview.) When asked what love is, Travis replied, "Love is jokes." They then asked T to tell them a joke...

Travis: Why did the chicken cross the road?
Tracy: I don't know, why?
Travis: Because chickens are really, really stupid.

I would guess that joke caught them off guard a little, everyone shared a great laugh. Travis appears in the commercial several times: jokes, you almost got it, and playing with brothers. The final product...

The direct link in case the video above does not work
http://vimeopro.com/user29981188/shfc-aired/video/129116545

We remain ever thankful for all that Shriners Hospitals for Children provides for Travis through clinic appointments, physical therapy, the brace, shoe lifts, seating and mobility, support, knowledge of NF issues, surgery, and more. All these great services and we pay nothing, many thanks to those who choose to donate to Shriners Hospitals. From Travis' initial appointment at Shriners Hospital in Salt Lake City and with Dr. Viskochil, we knew these doctors and medical professionals could provide Travis with the best medical care possible. We are happy to be able to give something back to Shriners Hospitals for Children.