Some people make music. Some people bring people together. Travis has spent his life doing both.

Travis is a gifted guitarist, singer, and songwriter, lead guitarist of the Bethany-based Fleming Jenkins Band, and founder and partner of The Recording Den, our recording studio in Bethany, Connecticut. The Den is more than a business to us. It's a place where artists create, musicians connect, stories are told, and friendships are made.

Today, November 9, Travis is undergoing major, life-altering surgery in his second battle with cancer. The procedure will permanently change how he speaks, eats, and navigates everyday life, followed by a long and challenging recovery.

A second battle with cancer

Travis first battled cancer in 2015. Earlier this year, after months of persistent throat pain, a biopsy confirmed that cancer had returned in his larynx.

He began an intensive course of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. In July, we received a glimmer of hope when doctors could no longer visually identify the tumor. But further testing revealed that the cancer had progressed, and his medical team determined that major surgery offered his best chance moving forward.

The surgery will bring enormous changes. Travis will need to adapt to new ways of communicating, eating, and living his daily life, with extensive medical care and rehabilitation ahead.

For someone whose life has revolved around music, singing, conversation, creativity, and connection, these changes are almost impossible to put into words.

Yet through the pain, treatments, and uncertainty, Travis has held on to his humor and remarkably positive outlook. He knows life will look different, but he remains determined to embrace it and live it to the fullest.

That is Travis.

Why we're asking for help

In recent months, severe pain, exhaustion, treatment, and frequent trips to Boston have made it increasingly difficult for Travis to work. We own and operate The Recording Den together, which is also our primary source of income. As a small creative business, it depends on our active involvement, and his illness has significantly affected our ability to keep it running as usual.

With major surgery and a lengthy recovery ahead, that financial strain will continue. We've also experienced unexpected setbacks and expenses that have added to the pressure at an already difficult time.

We are raising funds to help cover medical-related expenses, transportation, household bills, food, and other essential living costs while Travis recovers and we navigate this next chapter. Your generosity will help provide some financial stability and allow us to focus on what matters most: his health, recovery, and the enormous adjustments ahead.

A little help means a lot

If you're able to contribute, any amount will make a meaningful difference. If donating isn't possible, sharing this page or sending a note of encouragement would mean just as much.

We are deeply grateful to the friends, family, musicians, clients, and neighbors who have already begun creating a kind of force field around us—a community of love, kindness, and care.

We don't know exactly what the road ahead will look like. We do know that Travis has people he loves, things he still wants to experience, and so much more life he wants to live.

And we know that Travis still has music in him.

Thank you for helping us through this difficult chapter. Your kindness means more than we can ever express.

With love and gratitude,

Travis & Lois