Travis O. Moore Benefit Bar-B-Que: June 2003

Travis Moore Update:
February 5, 2004

Travis Moore and wife,
earlier photo.

Click to enlarge photo.

June 2003 ~ Travis Moore
Benefit Bar-B-Que:

Click to enlarge photo.

UPDATE ~ August 2003

My fellow firefighters, Travis had completed his rounds of Chemotherapy at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. These Chemo treatments were to have shrunk the tumors in his throat and inner ear, making it possible to surgically remove the cancerous tumors. The doctors also felt that the chemo would virtually eliminate the spots on his lungs. The surgery would have been risky and delicate, as the areas affected contain major nerves, arteries and veins, etc. But the chemo was to have made surgery possible. The surgery was scheduled for September 4, 2003.

On or about August 27, Travis had a pre-surgical exam and cat-scan. The findings of this exam were not encouraging. More spots were found in his lungs, the tumor had grown to encircle the carotid artery, and the tumor in his eardrum had grown. The doctors felt that surgery would be too risky and would not be performed as planned.

The doctors are hoping that they will be able to radiate the (potentially life threatening) tumors to where they are no longer a threat.

Travis is back at MD Anderson undergoing radiation treatments as I write this . . .

Fast forward to September 21, 2003. Travis has one more treatment to total ten of twenty-five radiation treatments. He will begin a two week rest and then have fifteen more radiation treatments. Then the doctors will re-evaluate and consider possible surgery. Travis is alternating between Morphine and Methadone and other pain meds. There was some discussion of putting him on experimental cancer drugs. He has days when he feels okay and days when he is weak and lethargic. September 21, 2003, was a relatively good day for him. He is considering retiring.

Travis would really appreciate it if you would pray for him and his family. The Lord has listened to our prayers before and worked miracles in Travis life during this cancer ordeal. Let us have Faith and Hope.

When two or more are gathered in Your name, Lord, we know you are listening. We have hundreds of good folks praying for our brother Travis, Lord, and we ask that You take special care of him. We pray that it is Your will to heal Travis. Lord, We ask that You give Travis the strength and grace to endure this ordeal, He is a special guy.

As before, please call and/or visit him and keep it upbeat. Agitate. Try to keep our brother smiling. It would be good for you to call before you visit to be sure Travis is up for visitor(s). His number is 286.9519.

God bless us all and God bless America.

Fraternally,
Richard Bachmeier and the guys at Station 23

END OF UPDATE

Click to enlarge photo.

Click to enlarge photo.

Click to enlarge photo.

June 2003

My Fellow Firefighters:

Your participation in the Travis Moore Benefit Bar-B-Que was tremendous. The firefighter brotherhood spirit filled the union hall. God bless each of you for your part in giving brother Travis a hand during this difficult time.

Travis was so overcome with your generosity and love that it was all he could do to hold back the tears . . . when he could. It's okay, Travis, let 'em roll. You'd do the same for any one of us. This is what the Brotherhood is all about. We are here for each other. When one of us needs a hand, we reach out and lift our brother or sister up. Sometimes we forget what a special thing this brotherhood is until we pull together for an event like this.
Almost every A-Shift fire station bought Sally's Bar-B-Que plates and for that evening, came together for a supper club dinner to support Travis.

Volunteers came at the times we most needed you and you picked up the ball and ran with it. Volunteers were on their feet in the serving line for two and a half hours. Volunteers, you sliced the brisket. You delivered meals and returned with the money. You told us "I'll do whatever you need, deliver wherever, I'll help however I can". You delivered plates all over town. You bought more groceries and would not take reimbursement. You set up tables, cleaned up, and helped in the kitchen. You brought your own Bar-B-Que pit and, after only a couple hours of sleep, barbequed cases and cases of sausage in the brutal sun. You helped Clay. Volunteers in their 70's, with bad knees and being a six year cancer survivor, you delivered more than 40 plates to several fire stations. You forwarded e-mails and allowed the squads to pickup and deliver. You collected the money and kept the books, and helped keep track of deliveries and pickups. You furnished the oven. You assisted wherever you could.

Some knew they couldn't attend but sent a donation anyway. You bought plates and donated an equal amount. You pledged to match the donations.

You gave Travis hope. You let him know we are all pulling for him. Most of the volunteers never got a chance to eat--just served the others. You came on your Sunday off to help. We had a good time doing a good deed. Retirees and rookies alike rallied to our Union Hall to support this cause.

Your union President not only made arrangements for us to use the union hall and meat slicer, but stayed the day and helped everything run smoothly.

I now reflect on how good it feels to be part of the brotherhood of firefighters. Thank you all again. You really came thru for Brother Travis.

We ended up selling 620 plates. We ran out of brisket first, and when we ran out of sausage, we stopped selling plates. Almost everyone who ordered a plate, got a plate. Donations are still coming in and it looks like we will be able to help Travis with a few months rent. Thank you for your generosity. And Thank you Sally for catering.

Now, an update on Travis: Somewhat tired and weak, Travis left Sunday evening for M.D. Anderson Cancer Hospital in Houston. Because Travis' cancer is a rare type, his doctors here elected to have the doctors at the world-class Houston facility evaluate Travis and give a second opinion on treatment. They will decide if he can get any better and/or additional care at M.D. Anderson. Initially Travis was to go to Houston's facility in mid June, but the Doctors there thought it best to see Travis sooner and get the treatment started. M. D. Anderson has exclusive rights to use certain cancer drugs that might work well in Travis' case.

Please keep Travis in your prayers. We have experienced God's guiding hand in our endeavors to help Travis. Travis is continually lifted by our prayers, thoughts, and well wishes. Please keep him in your prayers.

Fraternally,

Richard Bachmeier
and the guys at station 23.

Copyright � 2003 San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association. Copies or excerpts of this publication may be made and distributed in any medium, provided that "Local 624", the author's name, this Internet address remain intact. Separate permission must be obtained from the original author(s) for articles and objects used herein from outside sources.