Injury doesn’t stop Roy from facing one challenge at a time

Travis Roy was on a path to stardom when he took to the ice at Boston University as a hockey player his freshman year. 
Little did he know his path would take a different course and now he’s inspiring millions of people, not by winning national championships but by overcoming obstacles. 
Travis was paralyzed during his first game as a Terrier. He was on the ice for 11 seconds before hitting a wall and breaking his neck. From that moment on, Travis was forced to decide what challenges he would face and how the lessons he was taught growing up came into play. 
Travis said his life has been a journey since the accident more than 20 years ago but his positive attitude makes it hard to believe it was a struggle.  
Because of his look on life, Travis has been invited to speak with BraunAbility employees, Winamac Community High School students and the general public on Oct. 7. 
BraunAbility became aware of Travis’ story through Travis’ father Lee Roy and also a BraunAbility employee. Travis said he bought a new van in the spring that needed to be modified. Lee drove the van from Boston to Winamac so the conversions could be completed by BraunAbility. 
Lee left Travis’ book “Eleven Seconds: A Story of Tragedy, Courage and Triumph” for those who were interested to read. 
BraunAbility President and CEO Nick Gutwein said everything about Travis impressed him. 
“His story on ESPN’s E:30 was shared with me by our own Joe Cunningham. It brings a lot of tears to my eyes and I have watched it probably half a dozen times — mainly to see a young man who had ‘everything’ and it was taken away in 11 seconds,” Gutwein said. “But the main impact on me was how he responded. Loving parents, and a courageous heart to make the best of life. He shared that he probably accomplished much more being a quadriplegic than he ever could have as a hockey player. It is a tremendous lesson for our youth today — no matter what the circumstances you can make a difference!” 
Not only did Gutwein want Travis to share his story with BraunAbility employees but he is also hoping BraunAbility can help the Travis Roy Foundation. 
Travis will speak at Winamac Community High School from 1:15-2:15 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7.