What do we do?
The Travis Burkhart Foundation exists to stand in the gap where insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid fall short. We support individuals and families navigating the challenges of prolonged illness, serious injury, or life-altering diagnoses—moments when life changes in an instant and the path forward feels uncertain.
In times like these, the last thing families should have to worry about is how they’ll afford gas to get to the hospital, where they’ll stay during treatment, or how they’ll cover the mounting costs of care that insurance simply won’t touch. That’s where we step in.
It is our mission—and our passion—to bring both financial relief and emotional encouragement to those who are hurting. By helping cover unexpected costs and easing the burden of medical-related expenses, we give families space to breathe, regroup, and focus their energy where it matters most: on being present for their loved one.
Because at the heart of our foundation is the belief that no one should face these struggles alone—and that with compassion, community, and faith, even the hardest journeys can be walked together.
If you or someone you know needs assistance, please complete our request form.
Our story is better told through the words of a mother that has had a child diagnosed with brain cancer…
“We appreciate the kindness and generosity from the Travis Burkhart Foundation. Our daughter’s life was turned upside down with the discovery of a brain tumor. The extra-large iPad that the foundation gave us assists her every day and her everyday needs. The foundation's gift makes it so our girl has a little bit of normalcy in her life.
Amanda, mother of Victoria (Val)
How do we do it?
At the Travis Burkhart Foundation, we offer support in practical and meaningful ways—because we know firsthand how overwhelming life can become when medical challenges arise.
Our assistance is focused on medically related needs: financial aid to help with costs connected to treatment, transportation, lodging, and other qualified medical expenses; gift cards for gas and food during long trips to appointments; durable medical equipment (DME) to improve safety and access at home; and reliable information to help families navigate the journey ahead.
We’ve lived this. We’ve seen how quickly costs can add up, and how even the smallest support—a gas card, a hot meal, a borrowed wheelchair—can make a big difference during long, stressful days. We’ve walked through it ourselves, and in the process, we’ve learned a lot.
Now, we’re here to share that knowledge and support with others. Whether it's helping cover specific medical needs or offering encouragement and direction, our mission is simple: to stand with families so they never feel like they’re facing it alone.
Why do we do it?
The Travis Burkhart Foundation was born from a place of deep gratitude—and a desire to give back the same kind of help we were once blessed to receive.
Let me tell you about my son, Travis.
He was 23 years old—strong, determined, full of life. In February 2008, he was driving back to the University of Southern Indiana after a visit home when he hit a patch of freezing rain. His car lost control. Travis suffered a traumatic brain injury and a fractured C2 vertebra. He died at the scene—but was miraculously resuscitated.
That moment changed everything.
The months and years that followed became a battle for recovery. Every decision we made centered around getting Travis the best care possible. The journey was filled with uncertainty, hardship, and more than a few moments that brought us to our knees.
But we were never alone.
Our community—family, friends, strangers—wrapped around us with prayers, meals, encouragement, and financial help that eased the burden just enough to keep us going. That love carried us through.
The Travis Burkhart Foundation exists so other families can feel that same kind of support when their world is turned upside down.
Catastrophic injury, illness, or diagnosis can strike in an instant—and no matter how prepared you think you are, no one is truly ready for the wave of medical decisions, travel, expenses, and emotional weight that follows. Even with good insurance, families quickly face costs that don’t get covered: gas, meals, lodging, durable medical equipment, long-term therapy tools, and more.
These expenses pile up fast, turning an already overwhelming situation into a financial crisis.
That’s where we come in.
We offer more than monetary aid—we offer hope. We help cover the gaps that insurance doesn’t touch. We offer guidance from people who’ve walked the road before. And we show up—because no one should have to face this alone.
The Travis Burkhart Foundation is our way of turning pain into purpose, and our deepest hope is to walk beside as many families as possible—just like others walked beside us.
How can you help?
There are two powerful ways you can make a difference.
First, share our story. Word of mouth is one of the most meaningful ways to spread awareness. When you tell others about the Travis Burkhart Foundation, you help us reach families who may need support—and those who may want to join us in giving it.
Second, consider making a donation. Every dollar you give goes directly to individuals and families who meet our assistance criteria—no overhead, no delays. Once an application is approved, funds are typically distributed within 7 days or less.
We’re proud to say that less than 1% of our operating costs go toward administration—and those are entirely covered by fundraising efforts, not your donations.
Your support fuels hope, action, and healing. Thank you for helping us be the difference for someone in their hardest moment.