WARWICK, R.I. — Rhode Island State Police came together Thursday to grant the wish of a very special Cranston boy.
Ten-year-old Travis suffers from a rare congenital disorder called Caudal regression syndrome. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the disease affects development of the lower half of the body, including the back, legs, the urinary tract, gastrointestinal system and more.
In his decade of life, Travis has had more than 20 surgeries, both major and minor. In just two weeks, he’ll have another surgery in Boston for a bone graft in his mouth and jaw. As a result, he will be recovering for six to eight weeks.
During his long periods of recovery, Travis has wished for a place to relax, hang out and, in his words, “chill and be alone.” Together with his doctor, who believes Travis would benefit from having his own space, he reached out to the imPossible Dream organization in Warwick to ask if they could grant his wish of his very own “man cave” with a small couch and TV.
Since then, imPossible Dream’s Executive Director Diane Florio Penza has worked to make Travis’s dream a reality.
On Thursday, Penza, the State Police and members of the community gathered to tell Travis that his wish will be granted. The community has come together to make the project a reality, with the Associates of the Rhode Island State Police charitable organization donating $3,000, donations of building material from Michael Winter of Builder’s Surplus, furniture provided by Cardi’s Furniture and Mattresses and other man cave decorations from Stevie B. Sports Memorabilia in Warwick.
“He’s so polite and appreciative, thanking everyone individually. It just warms your heart to see it,” said Lt. Colonel Kevin Barry, acting superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police. “We are so happy we were able to facilitate these donations to give Travis a man cave worthy of a New England Sports fan.”
Every year, the Associates of the Rhode Island State Police makes a donation to a local charity.
“This is the best thing we’ve done since we’ve been doing this,” said James Marsh, the organization’s president.
Steven Barbato of Sports Memorabilia and Bob Tasca, Jr. presented Travis with framed prints for his man cave, including a “man cave” sign, Boston Celtics and Red Sox photos, and, best of all, a signed jersey from Rob Gronkowski, which left Travis absolutely speechless.
Pete Cardi said he and his brother live for days like Thursday when they can give back to the community.
“We enjoy being part of the community,” Cardi said. “People like Travis make it all worth it.”
As a special surprise, Rhode Island boxer Michael Valentin stopped by the event to wish Travis well and invite him to his upcoming boxing match, as well as present him with a pair of autographed boxing gloves. Valentin gained national attention last year after announcing that he has worn a colostomy bag since birth. Boxing officials suspended him from fighting and overturned a win, and it was only through a legal battle that he was able to regain his title.
After taking time off for medical procedures, Valentin returns to the ring this month, and Travis will be there to cheer him on. During his next fight, Valentin has said he will be fighting on behalf of a young Kentucky boy who killed himself recently after being bullied about having a colostomy bag.
“I’m only 19, and I’ve had 19 surgeries,” Valentin said. “Travis, don’t let anyone hold you back.”
In the spirit of paying it forward, Detective Courtney Elliott of the Rhode Island Troopers Association presented Travis with a $250 check to be donated to the imPossible Dream in his honor.
“Now you can be a part of making another kid’s wish come true,” Elliott told Travis.
Travis’s mom, Kadie Williams, said she is so grateful to be part of a community that is so supportive of her son and his struggles.
“He’s so appreciative that others can appreciate what he goes through. I’m just so thankful that everyone went out of their way to do this,” Williams said. “Even though he has troubles in life, you’d never see it day to day. He lives his life just like everyone else.”
Travis, for his part, couldn’t stop smiling and thanking everyone who came together to make his wish come true. His favorite gifts of the day were the boxing gloves, followed very closely by the Gronk jersey.
“It feels amazing,” he said. “I feel like I really made a difference in people’s lives.”
Travis’s man cave will be located in his family’s garage, and construction is set to begin later this spring. It’s set to be complete in time for the kickoff to the Patriots season in September.
ImPossible Dream features Rhode Island’s first integrated playground, meaning that children of all abilities can play together in the same space. The playground is open every day from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., April through October. There are no admission fees, but donations are welcomed. The organization helps grant wishes for chronically ill children like Travis.
Photo Credit: Rachel Nunes, Patch