***UPDATE***

Friends of the McDowell Family

When Travis first received his cancer diagnosis, the outpouring of love and support from friends and family was truly overwhelming. Now, the McDowells are facing another difficult chapter and could use that same incredible community support once again.

From Ann’s recent update:

“On September 6th, Travis had an MRI that showed something suspicious, so his doctor ordered more scans. The follow-up PET and MRI on October 13th revealed possible tumor regrowth. It could be scar tissue, but they won’t know for sure until further testing.

We spoke with his Neuro Oncologist, who reassured us that this is still very much a beatable disease—we just need to find a new way to beat it!

Our Neurosurgeon (the same one who performed the first surgery) told us to prepare for another surgery in the next two to three weeks. After one surgery just nine months ago and four rounds of chemo, we didn’t expect to be here again so soon. But we will do what needs to be done and get on with life. We have a lot of life ahead of us—and a lot more concerts to see!

Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate the coming weeks. We feel so loved and supported, and we couldn’t do this without all of you.”

Travis now has a surgery date set, and it’s fast approaching. The McDowells will be traveling back and forth to Portland several times before the surgery and will need to stay there for an unknown amount of time afterward.

Let’s rally around this amazing family once again through prayers, encouragement, and, if you’re able, financial support. Any amount helps lighten the load as they face travel costs, hotel stays, meals, and medical expenses not covered by insurance.

The McDowell family has shown so much strength, faith, and love through every step of this journey. Let’s help them focus on what matters most, Travis’s healing and recovery.

Thank you for lifting them up and standing beside them once again.

Ann’s Venmo if you’d rather donate directly:

Ann-McDowell-9

If you are lucky enough to know the McDowell family, you know that Ann and Travis have spent a lifetime playing important roles in our community. Both of them work in the Winston Dillard School District, where they touch the lives daily of many students and coworkers. Travis is a guidance counselor at Winston Middle School, where he gets to work directly with the youth of our community to better their lives. Ann is a beloved PE teacher at Brockway Elementary School, where she is adored by all of her students. She is also a fabulous baker and is quick to share her sweet treats with anyone who crosses her path. They also both hold volunteer callings through church, which are very demanding of time and resources, but you won’t ever hear them complain about this. They truly love to serve and give to those around them.

On January 3rd, 2025, Travis was doing one of the things he does best. He was serving his community by reffing at a high school basketball game, which he has done for the last 20 years. During halftime, Travis suffered a Grand Mal Seizure. This medical emergency came after Ann had also been struggling with health issues and had undergone one planned, and one unplanned surgery.

After imaging and testing, the McDowells have started to receive some answers to what caused Travis to have this seizure. Neurologists discovered a brain tumor that needs to be removed ASAP—within the next 2-3 weeks. After the surgery, it will be determined what type of tumor Travis has and what further treatment will be necessary depending on the severity.

These unprecedented events bring up many heavy burdens: high emotions, stress, the unknown, and many unexpected financial obligations. Travis’ surgery will take place in Portland, and after surgery, he will remain in the hospital for up to 5 days. These funds will help alleviate the financial burdens that are going to arise for the McDowell family as they travel to and from Portland, need hotels, gas money, medical bills, etc.

Let’s rally around the McDowell family and give back to them what they have been giving to our community for years. Let’s lift them up with hope, love, faith, support, and peace of mind that they will get through this trying time. Thank you!