In March of 2013, at the age of 10 years old, Carlsbad United player Travis Selinka was diagnosed with a Brain Tumor and had surgery to remove it. Through the pathology of the tumor after surgery, the doctors determined that the tumor was malignant which meant Travis needed further treatment of Radiation and Chemotherapy to beat the Cancer. The good news is that the Brain Cancer was caught early and is treatable.
To accompany this good news, after a little more than a year, Travis’ Wish of a lifetime has not only been granted by Make-A-Wish but it has now happened and he has met Lionel Messi in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain (see picture above). As part of his wish, Travis will also be treated to an FC Barcelona game and a tour of the famed Camp Nou Stadium.
Click here to view Lionel Messi’s official facebook post in relation to meeting with Travis among other young, deserving children.
Travis said: “It is hard to believe that my wish is actually coming true. I can’t wait to talk with Messi about the medical challenges he faced growing up, just like me.”
According to Tony, Travis’ dad, “We are very grateful and humbled that Travis will be the recipient of such an extraordinary Wish. We have been blessed by so many great organizations throughout our journey but we have been amazed by all the great things Make-A-Wish does for so many kids.“
“We want to thank everyone for supporting Coach Jonno’s 50k Run for Make-A-Wish” remarked Lynne, Travis’ mum. “It is because of generous donations in support of fundraising efforts by people like Coach Jonno that make the special Wishes of the kids like Travis come true. Coach Jonno is such an inspiration and we are in awe that he would choose to honor Travis in such an incredible way” (see picture of Coach Jonno and Travis below).
Coach Jonno ran his 50k Run for Make-A-Wish on Sunday, 10/26. Jonno commented, “The run was the hardest physical activity I’ve ever had to endure (so far), not only physically but mentally. It was very tiring, lots of fun, and for a great cause. Very happy I did it and managed to beat the 6 hour mark.”
Below is a picture of Coach Jonno receiving a check for $500 from Carlsbad United F.C. in support of his efforts and this fantastic cause!
There is still time to support this great cause of making a child’s wish come true. Please click the link below to support Jonno and Make-A-Wish:
http://friends.wish.org/024-000/page/Jonno-Davison/Jonno%27s-50k-for-Travis-the-Warrior.htm
Well done Coach Jonno and thanks Make-A-Wish!
Click here to read the SoccerNation article on Travis’ journey.
