Monthly Mission: Why did you become a Champion?

I become a Mayo Clinic Champion after hearing Mayo Clinic Social Media Network Director Lee Aase speak at a Rare Disease event. I'm not a patient, but my four-year-old son died of the undiagnosed and rare genetic birth defect Isolated Congenital Asplenia (he was born without a functioning spleen, which left him with a compromised immune system). As President of the newly formed 501(c)(3) T.E.A.M. 4 Travis (Together Ending Asplenia Mortality), I am grateful to be part of an amazing medical organization like the Mayo Clinic. Through membership in their Social Media Network, we hope to bring awareness of this rare disease to many people, seeking others who may be impacted by ICA and furthering medical research through fundraising and advocacy. I look forward to engaging with patients, providers and other non-profit leaders who use the Mayo Clinic Connect and Mayo Clinic Social Media Network.

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I became a Mayo Clinic Champion because I feel that I have been through so much, I like to encourage people and let them know they are not alone and if I can do things then so can they. I think one of my biggest accomplishments has been-after living almost my entire life with obesity, In 2006 I was almost 600lbs and a patient at a care center recovering and was told that I could no longer go on any van or buses for wheelchair transportation. At first I was pretty upset, then I got mad. I decided I was going to show them, so with the approval of my RN, Doctor, and dietician, I started on a low carbohydrate/high protein diet. I lost around 200lbs in 18mo.;however, then I went through some "stuff" and gained 50lbs. So, I basically stayed around the same weight from 2006-2012. In 2012, I had gastric bypass surgery. I lost another 200lbs in the first year. Since I could not walk at this time, my exercise consisted of what I could do in my bed and in my wheelchair. I just had my 7yr surgery anniversary appointment yesterday. Eventhough I have gained about 40lbs, my doctor is extremely happy because I have still lost over 75% of my excess body weight. He is also happy with my blood work and my continual general positive progress. I just like to encourage people that are obese, that they too can do what I have done if they want to. This has not been easy even with gastric bypass. Gastric bypass is NOT the easy way out it is a tool that I can use to lose weight. However, the most important tool through this whole progress has been my head. I have had to figure out why I was eating, and TRY to change that habit. It is NOT easy. This is a day-to-day, meal-to-meal, life of choices. That is why this is NOT a DIET. This is a New life journey is a different direction. I have learned that I am not always going to make the right choices, and "life happens" with things we can't control. I just need to remember that Making a bad food choice does NOT make me a BAD person. I just need to get back "on track" making "good food choices". I do really wish I could reach as many people as I can and just let them know that if I can do this-so can they. I do know, however, that people have to be ready for their own journey, and if they are not ready, nothing I say will make a difference.

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I became a champion to be able to connect with others in similar situations and, perhaps, be able to help even one person through my experiences. I have been diagnosed with so many things (migraines, endometriosis, fibromyalgia, hypothyroid, idiopathic hypersomnia, etc.), I feel alone a lot of the time. I am lucky enough that I have a support system, but I feel like I am letting everyone down most days.

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I become a Mayo Clinic Champion after hearing Mayo Clinic Social Media Network Director Lee Aase speak at a Rare Disease event. I'm not a patient, but my four-year-old son died of the undiagnosed and rare genetic birth defect Isolated Congenital Asplenia (he was born without a functioning spleen, which left him with a compromised immune system). As President of the newly formed 501(c)(3) T.E.A.M. 4 Travis (Together Ending Asplenia Mortality), I am grateful to be part of an amazing medical organization like the Mayo Clinic. Through membership in their Social Media Network, we hope to bring awareness of this rare disease to many people, seeking others who may be impacted by ICA and furthering medical research through fundraising and advocacy. I look forward to engaging with patients, providers and other non-profit leaders who use the Mayo Clinic Connect and Mayo Clinic Social Media Network.

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I found this site when I was already well into remission, and wished I knew about it when I was going through treatments. I would have loved to have had others to talk with about the way I was feeling. I received my initial treatment at Mayo and was then sent to my home state to get treatment. Mayo saved my life, and I was treated so wonderfully, I wanted to share that experience with anyone it might help. When I was going through the treatment, I just put one foot in front of the other and made it through. It wasn’t until later that I realized what I had been through. It is also to talk with people that know exactly what you’ve been through. It’s a great network!

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Welcome aboard @team4travis. Lee used to be my manager in my old role at Mayo Clinic actually. He's a fantastic speaker and I can see how he could inspire you. Being President of a nonprofit (T.E.A.M. 4 Travis) is an amazing way to tell your story and help others. I'm glad many of the Mayo Clinic resources have helped guide you along. Keep up the great work.

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Wow - I am so sorry about your little one; and give you praise for your work in bringing attention to this unknown rare disease. My husband and I just moved from WI where there were other rare genetic diseases noted & cared for at Children's' Hospital in Milwaukee over the last 30+ years. As a nurse, I remember the heartaches and difficulties in gaining information, treatments, and answers that weren't always there. It continues to be an area of high emotions, stillness, research and prayers.

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