Travis' Story

Parrish Medical Center Respiratory Therapist Sharon M. shared this personal story of finding strength through healing moments. Her son, Travis, has battled a serious illness since 2008 when he was just 14 years old. While other boys his age were tackling homework and spending time with their friends, Travis was here, spending time in the hospital.

"Travis has been admitted many times - sometimes for weeks at a time," Sharon explained. "The staff has always gone the extra mile for us. Travis was always greeted with open arms, smiles and loving care. They treat us like family!"

Sharon recalls one specific occasion when Travis had to be hospitalized out of town for six weeks. PMC care partners raised $3,000 and donated personal leave time so she wouldn’t have to worry about not receiving a paycheck. "I don’t know what I would have done without the support of this hospital," she said.

During those many years, Travis, while not feeling well, was not only able to graduate high school, but he was also able to initiate and complete his Eagle Scout project. Next time you are out in the courtyard, look for the arbors. Beneath them you will see a stone engraved with this quote: Finding strength through healing moments.

Travis, along with the help of scouts from Troop 497, family and friends, constructed the arbors and the healing garden. Sharon is filled with joy and pride when telling of his accomplishments. Travis found his strength through the healing moments he received from care partners.

Travis is 24 years old now and, happily, he’s quite a different person. His health has improved and he feels good. "We are taking it one day at a time," said Sharon, "but he is doing so much better! He is starting college in the fall, and is finally able to take part in activities he has missed out on. He even began volunteering at PMC, to show his appreciation and pay it forward."

"Words cannot express my gratitude; thank you for treating us like family," she said. "Thank you to everyone that had a hand in his care and to those that just offered a smile and a kind word. Thank you, especially, to the fifth floor nurses, for your excellence and for your shoulder when I needed it. Thank you, Chaplain Jerald Smith, for being there during the hard times and now for sharing in my joy. Thank you all, and remember that we are family through the good times and the bad."