Travis Flores facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Travis Flores
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Flores in 2012
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Travis Michael Flores
April 7, 1991 Glendale, California, U.S.
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| Died | May 23, 2024 (aged 33) |
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| Occupation | Motivational speaker, writer, producer |
| Years active | 2004–2024 |
| Partner(s) | Clément Souyri |
Travis Michael Flores (born April 7, 1991 – died May 23, 2024) was an amazing American writer, activist, and speaker. He helped inspire many people. Travis was especially known for supporting young people with cystic fibrosis. He wrote children's books and articles for different magazines. His stories also appeared in popular books like Chicken Soup for the Soul.
Contents
Travis Flores: A Life of Inspiration
Travis Flores was born in Glendale, California, on April 7, 1991. When he was just four months old, doctors diagnosed him with cystic fibrosis. This is a serious lung disease. Despite his health challenges, Travis grew up to become a powerful voice for others.
Starting His Journey: Activism and Writing
Travis began his journey as an activist when he was only 12 years old. He worked with an artist named Michelle Ciappa. Together, they created his first children's book, The Spider Who Never Gave Up.
In 2004, when Travis was 13, his book was published. He then started a tour to share his story and inspire others. A year later, Travis teamed up with Disney. They printed a special edition of his book for a Make-A-Wish Foundation event. This event raised two million dollars for the charity! The success of this event helped Travis continue his inspiring tour for two more years.
Helping Others: His Charitable Work
Travis was very open about living with cystic fibrosis. He became a spokesperson for many groups that help people with this condition. He was very dedicated to his charity work. He worked closely with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Travis gave a large part of the money from his children's book sales to these two organizations. Throughout his life, he helped raise huge amounts of money for these and other charities. In 2005, Travis even started his own charity. It provides laptop computers to young people who are sick and in hospitals.
Education and New York City
Travis started college when he was just sixteen. He earned his bachelor's degree in acting from Marymount Manhattan College when he was twenty.
While studying, he also worked in New York City. He later went to New York University. In 2013, he earned a master's degree in Fundraising. This degree helped him become even better at raising money for important causes.
His Health Journey and Transplants
Travis faced many health challenges because of his cystic fibrosis. On March 3, 2015, he had a major surgery. He received a double-lung transplant at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.
After this first transplant, he kept working in entertainment and helping others. He needed a second double-lung transplant on October 3, 2017, at the same hospital. Sadly, in January 2019, his body rejected this second transplant.
Travis showed incredible strength. On May 5, 2020, he received his third bilateral lung transplant. This was very rare. Only about 30 people worldwide had ever had three double-lung transplants.
Later Life and Legacy
Travis lived in Los Angeles, California, with his partner, Clément Souyri. He continued his amazing work. He kept helping charities, acting, and writing until his passing. His parents, Timothy and Teresa Flores, and his two brothers, Justin and Brandon, live in Ohio. Travis Flores left behind a legacy of hope and courage for many young people.
