Noticias

Revived Hope: A Journey from Hospice to Healing

Karl Travis, retired senior pastor from First Presbyterian Church in Fort Worth, faced a harrowing battle with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), a rare and debilitating form of pulmonary hypertension when diagnosed in 2018. Initially told he didn’t qualify for potentially curative surgery, Karl’s journey took an unexpected turn, leading to a remarkable story of perseverance, hope, and the power of community support.

In 2020, with symptoms worsening, Karl made the courageous decision to enter hospice care under the compassionate support of Community Healthcare of Texas, preparing for what many believed to be his final chapter.

As Karl’s health declined, his wife Jaci refused to surrender hope. Unbeknownst to Karl, Jaci relentlessly advocated for him, repeatedly reaching out to specialists at UC San Diego Health, renowned for their expertise in the life-saving pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE) surgery. In a remarkable turn of events, in July 2023, on Jaci’s birthday, they received the call that Karl was granted the opportunity for surgery.

However, obstacles remained. Karl’s dependency on oxygen made flying impossible, necessitating a daunting 20-hour drive from Fort Worth to San Diego. Amidst these challenges, Community Healthcare of Texas, the state’s largest non-profit hospice and palliative care provider, stood by the Travis family, providing invaluable support and compassion during this critical time.

Discharged from hospice care to pursue curative treatment, in October, Karl and Jaci embarked on a journey filled with uncertainty but fueled by unwavering determination. With the guidance of hospice nurse Elise and Dr. David Capper, Chief Medical Officer of Community Healthcare of Texas, they navigated the intricate logistics of the drive to UC San Diego Health.

Arriving in San Diego, Karl faced yet another setback, enduring a 2.5-week wait before undergoing the life-saving surgery. Despite the odds, the surgery was a resounding success, marking the beginning of Karl’s path to recovery.

Now back in Fort Worth, Karl reflects on his journey with profound gratitude, recognizing the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. “The number one lesson I’ve learned from this experience is gratitude is everything,” said Karl. “I am acutely aware not everyone gets a second breath, and I consider it a joyous responsibility to spend the rest of my life honoring those who didn’t.”

Today, Karl and Jaci stand as beacons of hope, volunteering with Community Healthcare of Texas and leveraging their experience to support others facing similar challenges. Karl serves on the organization’s Board of Directors, while Jaci offers solace and guidance to caregivers, embodying the spirit of compassion and resilience.

Karl and Jaci’s journey epitomizes the triumph of the human spirit and serves as a testament to the transformative power of love, hope, and community support.

For media inquiries or interviews, please contact:
Deidrea Laux
Public Relations Specialist
dlaux@chot.org
(817) 929-9135

About Community Healthcare of Texas
Community Healthcare of Texas is the largest not-for-profit hospice and palliative care provider in Texas and has cared for adult and pediatric patients throughout North Central Texas since 1996. Community Healthcare of Texas offers hospice care, palliative care, education, emotional and spiritual support, and grief care to families as they travel the path of serious and terminal illnesses. Community Healthcare of Texas serves patients and their families across 25 Fort Worth, Dallas, and Waco counties. For additional information, visit www.CHOT.org or call (800) 958-4942.

 

 

SHARE ARTICLE