Magic Moments

On November 23, 2024, the Travis family's world changed forever. Dad Brian collapsed while driving a pedicab after a Husker game. He never regained consciousness and passed away 12 days later. Mindy and her three children were thrust into the unknown while learning how to cope with such a big loss. Brian was the primary source of income, but as college costs, unexpected household repairs, and car repairs add up, Mindy has taken it all in stride while continuing to put others first.

UBT and our wonderful partners wanted to give the Travis family some light during an understandably hard time of year. The family loves spending time together, so they'll enjoy movie passes, baseball tickets, and ice cream treats when the weather warms up. Mindy will enjoy some relaxation with a float session and massage, and the kids also all received gifts tailored just for them.

Tiffany Foote is a second-grade teacher at Kahoa Elementary School who is known for her gentleness, joy, and the way she treats every child as if they were her own. She and her husband Jeremy have two children, Easton and Alex. Last spring, Tiffany heard the words no woman wants to hear: breast cancer — and not just that, but a rare and aggressive form. Since then, she's endured months of treatments without complaining, and she continues to show up for her students, her kids, and her family and friends.

UBT and our partners wanted to give the Foote family a season of joy. They were surprised with a family getaway to Lake of the Ozarks, as well as many other family outings like baseball games, zoo memberships, putt-putt golf, and Paint Yourself Silly. The kids and Jeremy received gifts personalized for them, like LEGO sets and games, while Mom received gifts for some much-needed pampering.

The family also received the best gift of all shortly before our presentation: the gift of learning Tiffany is now CANCER-FREE! What a truly wonderful way to spend the holiday season.

Jamie is a mom of four who always puts her kids first. She is a genuinely kind person who cares deeply about others. Her oldest son Aiden is on the Autism spectrum and lives with severe anxiety, which makes leaving the house a challenge. Jamie is his full-time caretaker along with juggling her three other children. Two years ago, Jamie lost her mother, Pamela, who had been her rock and biggest cheerleader. Her father, Ralph, drives in from Nebraska City as often as he can to serve as doting grandpa, household handyman, and emotional supporter, but for the day-to-day, Jamie is often on her own.

UBT and our generous partners wanted to give Jamie and her kids a magical Christmas. They received many family fun activities like movie tickets and putt-putt golfing. Each child received new bedding and curtains to give their rooms an upgrade, along with other personalized gifts. Jamie will also get in some relaxation with a fresh mani-pedi and a new coffee table where she can kick her feet up. 

Susie Brown has a big heart for her family and for helping kids. Nine years ago, Susie learned that kids who visited a local community center on the weekends were spending the entire day without eating. That spurred her into action and within a few weeks, she created a nonprofit called We Can Do This that is dedicated to helping feed hungry children in Lincoln. As time has gone on, it's expanded to also provide personal care items and school supplies. As a single mom raising two kids, Susie understood how hard it can be to decide between rent and food, so she's working to do what she can to ensure no kid feels forgotten. Susie's generosity doesn't stop with her nonprofit, either — she also treasures time with her two children and five grandchildren. Sunday dinners are a big deal, and she tries to get in as much family time as possible.

UBT and our amazing partners wanted to give back to Susie and her family this holiday season to show her that her dedication doesn't go unnoticed. Susie and family received many family outing opportunities, such as zoo and children's museum passes, movie tickets, and a Saltdogs suite experience. Additionally, her family was surprised with more practical gifts that fit their personalities like shoes, clothing, and a few pampering services.

14-year-old Jenna is an eighth grader at Pound Middle School. She's always radiated a special joy and light, not letting Down Syndrome slow her down. Jenna and her 3 older siblings keep their parents busy with a full calendar. In December 2024, their life took an unexpected turn when Jenna was diagnosed with high-risk B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. What started as a doctor's appointment for a rash, has turned into a two-and-a-half-year treatment plan to fight this cancer. Jenna has been a champ had handling chemo treatments, but they do make her weak and limit her mobility. Even on her hardest days, she has a simply "I not sick" mentality and doesn't lose her spunky spirit.

Jenna and her family received multiple Magic Moments nominations from friends and family who knew they Lang's needed some extra love this holiday season. UBT’s Magic Moments team and our wonderful partners were more than happy to share the love. The family received a ton of family friendly activities to do together, Jenna was gifted a pile of new activities and toys to keep her busy during long days, and of course we stocked them up on gas gift cards to make driving to Omaha and back a little less worrisome