Randy and Mary Travis to share their inspiring story, raise stroke awareness on Monday evening in Bend

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Stroke Awareness Oregon and Hayden Homes are proud to bring Randy and Mary Travis to Westside Church in Bend on Monday, May 13 to share their intimate story of how one of country music’s greatest stars experienced a debilitating stroke and then battled back to become an inspiration to stroke survivors and their families. 

But the evening is about so much more than stroke. All of us face some sort of challenge in our lives and this special event seeks to provide everyone with motivation to find our own source of resilience and grit in the face of hardship. 

While the event is not a Randy Travis Concert, the evening will begin with music from one of Central Oregon’s most beloved bands–The Soul Benders–led by Steve Boatwright, who has toured with renowned acts like Santana, Stevie Nicks, and Chuck Berry. A special highlight of the evening will be a live auction of a Breedlove guitar autographed by Randy and Mary Travis. 

“We are so deeply touched that Hayden Homes and the Travis’ chose to partner with Stroke Awareness Oregon to bring this one of a kind event to our community,” said Interim Executive Director of Stroke Awareness Oregon Carol Stiles. “We know that the majority of strokes are preventable if families know the signs–we hope this event helps us educate and save lives right here in Central Oregon.” 

Strokes are the leading cause of disability worldwide. Most strokes happen in older adults, although 10 percent of strokes do occur in people younger than 45, and that number is on the rise. A remarkable 80 percent of strokes are preventable if people are educated on the signs and seek medical care right away. 

For Hayden Homes, the impact of stroke is personal. Two years ago, a 30-year veteran team member of the company, Kimberly, experienced a life-altering event when her husband, Harold, endured a series of strokes over a three-week period. 

The strokes put Harold in the hospital for six weeks and left him with ataxia– which occurs in two percent of stroke patients–causing lack of balance, speech loss, and limited core movement that hampered Harold’s ability to walk. These new challenges turned Kimberly and Harold’s life upside down, but they felt hope when they returned home from the hospital to find a new wheelchair ramp, which had been constructed and installed by team members from Hayden Homes. 

“I wouldn’t be here or be able to do all the things that I need to do if it wasn’t for my Hayden Homes Family,” said Kimberly. “I will never be able to repay everyone for the love and support we have received on this journey.”

To help raise awareness of stroke and to support Kimberly and Harold, in 2023 Hayden Homes presented a check to SAO for $100,000 representing a four-year commitment of funding to the organization.  

 “We are so grateful to be able to support SAO and help bring Randy and Mary Travis to Central Oregon for this special event,” said Deb Flagan, vice president of community engagement and giving with Hayden Homes. “This event is a chance to raise awareness and much-needed funds to help prevent others from being impacted or losing their loved ones to the heartbreaking effects of stroke.”

Event Details:

• Doors at 6 p.m. Event from 7-9 p.m.
• Monday, May 13
• Westside Church, 2051 NW Shevlin Park Road, in Bend
• $40 general admission, $100 premium seating 
• ADA accessible seating available

To purchase tickets visit strokeawarenessoregon.org. 

About Hayden Homes

Established in Redmond, Oregon in 1989, Hayden Homes has provided over 25,000 new homes to price-conscious, value-driven homebuyers in underserved, secondary markets throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. Hayden Homes continues to be the largest privately-owned new home builder in the Pacific Northwest. Hayden Homes exists to Give As You Go™, so together we build a strong community, and lead fulfilled lives. Hayden Homes has contributed $6.3 billion to local economies and has created more than 99,000 jobs since the company’s inception. Hayden Homes supports philanthropic efforts in the communities in which they build and have contributed more than $70 million in charitable donations with the flagship of their giving through the 501(c)(3) nonprofit, First Story. To date, First Story has provided 117 families throughout the Pacific Northwest with an affordable home and a first step toward financial freedom. The Hayden Homes brand family of companies includes Simplicity by Hayden Homes, Wise Size Homes and Hayden Homes, all providing an unparalleled selection of opportunities for those looking to purchase a new home.

About Stroke Awareness Oregon

Stroke Awareness Oregon is a nonprofit created by physicians, stroke survivors and community members exists to eliminate disability and death from stroke through awareness of causes, symptoms, and treatment, and through recovery support. The fifth leading cause of death in Oregon and the greatest source of disability worldwide, stroke is a medical emergency striking more than 800,000 people nationwide each year. Stroke Awareness Oregon is making a difference in stroke outcomes and recovery through education, support for stroke survivors and their families, and collaboration with medical and business partners. Learn more at strokeawarenessoregon.org.