Travis Hearn of Rock Island High School in Rock Island, IL suffered severe spinal cord trauma on September 22, 2006. At the time, Travis was competing for the Rock Island High School football team against Rock Island Alleman.

Travis suffered a burst fracture of his C-4 vertebrae resulting in an incomplete cord injury. This type of fracture shatters an individual vertebrae which can then cause damage by intruding on the spinal cord and cutting off blood supply to the spinal cord area. Several hours after the injury Travis underwent surgery to remove bone fragments from his spinal canal.

Travis currently does not have use of his arms or legs. Quadriplegia is a condition that doctors have seen varying degrees of recovery from. Without movement from the shoulders down Travis now relies on a ventilator to breath. Doctors typically say it takes from six months to a full year in order to fully diagnose the extent of this type of spinal cord injury. There is potential for gains in movement and mobility.

In the coming weeks and months the encouragement and support that Travis receives will help to spur him on to break through barriers and overcome the insurmountable. Here is quick look at a strong young man:

Age: 16; Jr at Rock Island High School
Favorite Food: Fried chicken with hot sauce
Favorite TV show: SportsCenter
Favorite Movie: Menace to Society
Hobby: video games (John Madden)
Favorite football position: Running Back
Favorite Music: Rap; Tupac and Lil’ Boofie
Favorite Pro Athlete: Brian Urlacher
Dream: To be a professional football player