“Mindy is the nicest, most generous person I know. Even in her hardest days, she’s reaching out to others to see how she can help.”
– Judy Wasserman, nominator
A sudden loss
On November 23, 2024, Mindy Travis’s world changed forever. Her husband, Brian, collapsed while driving a pedicab after a Husker game. He never regained consciousness and passed away on December 5 at just 48 years old.
Mindy is still adjusting to life as a single parent to three children: Brianne (20), Matthew (17), and Molly (10). She’s traversing the challenges of losing a spouse while helping her children cope with the loss of their father.
“I can’t imagine having to navigate losing a spouse and everything she’s faced this past year.”
– Rachel Williamson, Magic Moments Committee Member
Holding it together
The family has faced significant financial challenges. Brian was the family’s primary source of income, and the pedicab was his way of earning extra cash for the kids’ activities. Household repairs — major ones like a roof and water heater — came fast and furious. And with three drivers, the car has spent much time at the mechanic.
Brianne is a sophomore at South Dakota State and a distance runner on the track team. Matthew plays traveling hockey and baseball, and Molly loves dance. These activities are lifelines for the family to stay connected and keep moving forward, but they come with costs. Through it all, Mindy seems to take it in stride, focusing on what she can do for others.
Heart of the family
Beyond the kids’ activities, this is a family that truly enjoys being together. They love outings, laughter, and simple joys like going to the movies or grabbing ice cream. But with tight finances, those moments have been rare.
A nomination that speaks volumes
Judy Wasserman nominated Mindy for Magic Moments because, even in heartbreak, Mindy puts others first. She shared that Mindy is the nicest, most generous person she knows and would do anything for anybody. Judy felt that Mindy should be on the receiving end this season, and our Magic Moments team agreed.
Making the season bright
UBT and our partners wanted to give the Travis family a holiday filled with joy and ease. Mindy will enjoy a float session at The Float Spot and a massage at Serenity Health Massage — a chance to breathe and recharge. Brianne received Nike Vaporfly running shoes for training, Matthew got Birkenstocks, and Molly received new dance leotards.
Family fun is on the way, too: movie passes for cozy nights out, Prehistoric Putt adventures, axe throwing for Mindy and Matthew at Arbor Axe House, and baseball tickets for both Huskers and Saltdogs games. A LUX art package will spark creativity, while ice cream treats from Zesto promise sweet moments together. Gas gift cards will make travel easier, and a Shakespeare’s Pizza gift card will cover a favorite family outing. To ease the grocery budget, the family will receive three shipments of premium ground beef from Lot 279.
The joy of the season
Mindy, Brianne, Matthew, and Molly — we admire your love and resilience. May these gifts bring joy, laughter, and the magic of togetherness this holiday season. Happy holidays, Travis family!
