Posted: 7/27/05
Benefit for Travis Vick is Saturday at St. Maryís in Caledonia
Family and friends of Travis Vick of Caledonia have organized a benefit for him and his family this Saturday, July 30 at St. Maryís Gym in Caledonia.
The event will begin at 3:30 p.m. with dinner, and a live auction at 5:00 p.m. There will also be a bake sale and raffles. Following the auction, the band Tumbleweed will play at the Caledonia Legion from 9-12:30. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will supplement funds raised from the dinner and auction.
Travis is the son of Roger and Randi Vick of Caledonia and Darlene and Gerald Schwartzhoff of Dorchester, IA, and the grandson of Mildred Vick of Decorah.
Travis and his wife Stacy, have four little boys: Hunter, Brayden, Trever and Tysen. All the money raised from the benefit will help pay for medical expenses, any equipment that Travis might need and general overall financial support for their family as Travis hasnít been able to work a whole lot for awhile.
Donations for the auction, raffles or monetary contributions will be accepted right up until auction time on Saturday, July 30. Contact Amy Burg at 507-725-5158 or Dawn Schuttemeier at 507-724-2041 for more information. Monetary donations may be sent to: Travis Vick Fund, c/o Bank of the West, P.O. Box 109, Caledonia, MN 55921.
How Travis is doing
Jackie Vick, Travisí sister-in-law, sent The Argus this update on him on July 25:
Travis, 32, was diagnosed with Lou Gehrigís Disease, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) about two years ago. ALS is a progressive disease that causes motor neurons to die. This results in muscle weakness and then the muscles eventually waste away. There is no cure for this disease.
For Travis, the muscles in his hands, arms and mouth have been the most impacted right now. He has pretty limited strength in his arms and hands and has difficulty talking and swallowing. He had surgery a few weeks ago to place a feeding tube. This is going well after healing from the surgery and an infection. ALS can also cause general overall fatigue. So for Travis who loves to hunt and just be in the woods, the loss of strength and fatigue has been difficult.
As weíve prepared for the benefit the wonderful support and generosity of everyone in this community and many of the surrounding communities has been overwhelming and heartwarming. The concern and kindness of so many is truly a blessing. Travis, Stacy and the boys as well as the benefit committee sincerely appreciate everything that folks have contributed and shared.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com