My name is Teagan, and I met Kim and her family over 20 years ago while volunteering for youth soccer. We quickly became close friends and have shared countless moments—laughing, crying, and working hard side by side. Anyone who knows Kim knows she has always put others before herself. I invite you to take a moment to read her family’s story and consider offering your support.

TRAVIS

Travis, his Mom Kim Brown, is Dad, Mel McNeal and his Sister Erica McNeal, have been showing up for our community for years.

Now the time has come where they need us.

At two months old, Travis was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1). A genetic disease where benign tumors attach themselves to any nerve in the body. These tumors can turn malignant without any warning.

At 4 yrs old, Kim noticed he was holding his left arm strangely and an MRI was done and it was found that he had a tumor on his brain-stem. The oncologist gave Travis five years to live. At that time, surgery was not an option. Travis' family didn't listen. While the odds were against him, and it wasn't always easy, Travis Has Thrived In Life.

In 2020, Travis was advised his brain-stem tumor was now malignant. In 2021, Travis' tumor began to grow and brain-stem surgery was scheduled and almost 50% was successfully removed.

On March 13th, Travis was not feeling well. His dad took him to the Emergency Room where his CT Scan showed the tumor was blocking the spinal fluid from draining from his brain aka Hydrocephalus. Travis was rushed from Santa Rosa Kaiser, lights and sirens by ambulance, to Kaiser in Redwood City for emergency brain surgery. Surgery was done within hours and a shunt was placed, however it was unclear if the fluid pressure caused any damage.

Two weeks ago, Travis was admitted to the hospital as he was experiencing symptoms that could not be resolved at home.

Over the last month, Travis, along with his blended family, has been working to relearn things that we take for granted.

Now for the next steps. This is where we come in.

Travis and his family have decided to 'Throw the kitchen sink' at this and fight with everything they have.

This can be costly.

Travis has been approved to be admitted to the Kaiser Acute Rehab Facility in Vallejo. With extensive medical care and the need to take time away from work, the expenses are adding up. Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated. It will give Kim, Mel and Erica the ability to be by his side to support him as he begins this intense rehabilitation in Vallejo.

Thank you for any contribution and the continued prayers for Travis and his family.