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Good Morning America spotlights a teammate with a heart even bigger than his smile – Atrium Health

Photo taken from Atrium Health/LinkedIn

Aug 15, 2024, 18:35

Good Morning America spotlights a teammate with a heart even bigger than his smile – Atrium Health

Ruben Mesa shared a post by

“So happy for Travis and his family, both for this special recognition of his journey and the lovely Disney World trip from GMA to celebrate a new lease on life!! So grateful for our amazing teammates at Atrium Health Levine Cancer that work so hard every days to help patients like Travis battle and overcome the cancers they face.”

Quoting

“Good Morning America spotlights a teammate with a heart even bigger than his smile.

Travis Kerns, a dedicated member of the Atrium Health MedCenter Air ground transport team, has devoted two decades of his life to a noble cause, often being the crucial link in delivering hope to transplant patients through organ delivery. However, in 2021, Travis found himself in need of the very same hope he had been a part of providing, when he was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumor.

The news was a jolt to Travis, who at 41, was a father to an 11-year-old daughter, Kennedi. ‘I was shocked and devastated,’ says Travis. ‘I had so much life to live, and I wanted to fight for Kennedi.’

Between getting the news of his diagnosis, receiving treatment at Atrium Health Levine Cancer and finding out he was receiving a new liver, Travis continued to show up to work so his absence wouldn’t impact the team. And through it all, he continued to share his smile with others.

‘What is so great about Travis is that he shows kindness to everyone,’ shares Heather Helms, director of MedCenter Air. ‘His presence is what makes people feel good and want to be around him.’

Travis’ story caught the eye of Good Morning America and his celebrity doppleganger, Michael Strahan. Travis and Kennedi were invited to appear on the show. And if that wasn’t enough, the team at GMA surprised them with a trip to Disney World. Travis and Kennedi say it’s been the experience of a lifetime.

Starting the day by celebrating the resilience of a teammate is a good morning indeed!”

Atrium Health

Source: Ruben Mesa/LinkedIn and /LinkedIn

Ruben Mesa, MD, FACP, serves as the president and executive director of Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute (LCI) and Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center. Additionally, he holds the position of vice dean for cancer programs and professor of medicine at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. He is an international expert in hematologic cancers, particularly myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Through his tireless efforts, Dr. Mesa continues to drive progress in the understanding and treatment of hematologic malignancies, offering hope to those affected by these complex diseases.