In honor of Eye Donation Month and Veteran’s Day, Nevada Donor Network would like to share the story of a heroic donor we had the privilege of serving. When veteran, Travis Rodriguez, passed away, his service continued through his decision to be a registered organ, eye and tissue donor. His wife Arneysa shared more about who Travis was as a person and why it was so important for him to give the ultimate gift. Travis loved his family and did not want to leave the world so soon. He was a wonderful man, husband, father, grandfather, son and brother.
Travis joined the military on his 18th birthday and was a part of the United States Air Force Police and Security Forces. He spent nine years serving our country. Travis won the ‘Peacekeeper Challenge’ twice and received multiple awards including a bronze award for saving comrades in war. He was incredibly humble and never discussed how heroic he really was in the military. Travis was a proud veteran and a hero in every aspect of the word.
Arneysa and Travis met at work after his service, and the rest was history. They were together for 16 years and he loved her like no one else had. When Arneysa and Travis bought their home together, it was one of the happiest times of their lives. Travis put in so much hard work to make it their home. Arneysa still loves Travis with all of her heart and was torn to pieces when he passed away.
It all started with Travis having pain in his left shoulder. Arneysa thought it was because he was lifting too much weight. Unfortunately, Travis ended up falling to the ground one day in their hallway at home and she knew it was serious. The next day he went to urgent care which led to an ultrasound two days later showing a mass in his liver. Arneysa and Travis made an appointment with the oncologist’s office. They found out that he had cancer which metastasized from his colon. Travis’ journey through chemotherapy was very hard on him.
Arneysa remembers the moment that led to their discussion about organ, eye and tissue donation. It was when Travis’ health took a turn, and they had to make decisions about palliative care. Travis shared he wanted to be a donor hero when that time came and was incredibly supportive of organ, eye and tissue donation. At the time, Arneysa wanted to kick Travis under the table because at that moment, she did not want to think about him passing away or sharing any piece of him with anyone.
Arneysa truly did not understand the magnitude of what miracles happen when a person makes the decision to donate. Arneysa was caught in every precious moment and could have held Travis’ hand forever. She stayed by his side until the end. When Nevada Donor Network contacted Arneysa to speak about the gift of sight, she was not ready to speak about Travis. His brother Dustin helped her with the phone call, and they were able to make sure his final wishes came to fruition. Travis donated his corneas to two people who can now see because of his selfless gift.
When Arneysa started coming out of her grief fog, she started becoming curious about Travis’ donation. When she reached out to Nevada Donor Network’s Aftercare team, Arneysa discovered that Travis was able to help an 82-year-old man and a 62-year-old woman. Travis was a hero in life and death.
Arneysa was profoundly touched by the impact her husband made. Through her grief journey, Arneysa decided she wanted to give back to Nevada Donor Network’s mission by becoming a volunteer. She looks forward to sharing Travis’ story as an Advocate for Life in our northern Nevada community.
Inspired by the legacy of hope Travis left behind? Register to be a hero now by using this link!