Wakulla High School Student Travis Hinsey will Serve as 2010 Relay for Life Honorary Survivor Chair

by Rachel Sutz Pienta

Relay for Life event chair Dalynda Vause announced today that Wakulla High School student Travis Hinsey would be the 2010 Honorary Survivor Chair.  Travis, 16 years old, was diagnosed with cancer this past January.  Travis’s father, John Hinsey, explained how the cancer was discovered, “Travis was diagnosed on January 19th.  He had been having pains for a couple of months.  After two physician’s appointments, an MRI was ordered to help determine if a cortisone injection would relieve his pain.  Despite the pain, Travis had wanted to continue wrestling and finish out the season.  During the examination, the mass was noticed and we were sent to Shand’s in Gainesville for further diagnosis and treatment.”

Since his diagnosis, Travis is no longer able to attend school with his friends.  He has been taking online classes through Florida’s virtual school.  He is admitted into the hospital every two weeks for chemotherapy.  Travis’s father John has resigned from his job to take care of Travis and now stays with his son during treatments at the hospital in Gainesville.

Although Travis’s daily life has drastically changed since his diagnosis, he has managed to maintain some aspects of teenage life – spending time with his friends and girlfriend, Jessica Trombini.  When he agreed to serve as the 2010 Relay for Life Honorary Survivor Chair, he replied, “It seems like a good opportunity to help spread the word about cancer.” 

John Hinsey commented further, “Travis is a fighter.  He will not quit.  He has been blessed to have some very positive people in his life to help mold him as a young man.  His friends have been a great support for him.  He also has the world’s best girl friend.  Jessica Trombini, his girlfriend, has stayed by him throughout his ordeal.  She has seen him at some low points and has given up a lot that most kids their age would be unwilling to sacrifice.  She means a lot to him and has been a very positive influence during Travis’s battle with cancer.”

{sidebar id=1}At the time of this interview, Travis Hinsey’s prognosis was positive.  He had just received results from his first MRI of the tumor since the initial diagnosis.  The test results showed that tumor has shrunk an amazing 90%.  His oncologist said that is the most tumor reduction she has ever seen in this relatively short length of time. 

John and Travis wanted to be sure that everyone knows how much they have appreciated the tremendous outpour of community support they have experienced during their experience with cancer.  Mr. Hinsey said, “We would like to thank everyone for their prayers.  Please keep them coming! We will need more prayers as he starts seven weeks of radiation on April 19th.  Travis hopes to be back in school next August with his friends.”

The 2010 American Cancer Society Relay for Life event will be held Friday April 16th through Saturday April 17th at the Wakulla High School track.  This year's theme is "Carnival of Hope", and there will be games, refreshments, and great entertainment throughout the entire 18 hours.  The opening ceremony will start the event at 6 pm.  Luminary bags will be available for sale at the event up until the luminary lighting ceremony candles are lit at 9 pm.  Ed Brimner is serving as Master of Ceremonies for the 2010 event.  Event entertainment includes the local musical act “The Hills” and a crowd favorite, the dance troupe, “The Mountain Dew Cloggers”.  Entertainment chair Shari Eddington said, “Musical entertainment will continue throughout the evening.”

Walkers representing multiple community teams will ensure the track is never empty from 6 pm Friday evening until the closing ceremony Saturday morning.  The event is free and open to the public.  Food and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the event. 

This article originally published on April 12, 2010.

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