Travis Update

A letter from the film's editor, Jean Tsien

October 18, 1999

Dear Friends,

I just saw Travis for the first time since his grandmother's funeral. Mrs. Jefferies passed away on July 20th, 1999. Every time I visited her, she was always surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. After all the years of hard work, raising all those children, it's nice to see that Mrs. Jefferies was truly loved by her family.

Travis will be adopted by his Aunt Rita. So will his cousin, 8 year-old Tasha, because Mrs. Jefferies wanted them to stay together. I know Mrs. Jefferies was very proud to see Travis receive a standing ovation at the Peabody Awards (last spring) and also to be honored at the Christopher Awards. I was very happy that she was able to attend both ceremonies.

Mrs. Jefferies' funeral was well attended at the Kingdom Hall in the Bronx. This was the very first time I've ever met Travis' mother, Samantha, in person. She had been in and out of jail for drug possession and was on parole. Samantha has cleaned herself up; she wanted to do it for her mother. She even got a job at the supermarket.


Maggie Kotuk, the filmaker's sister, editor Jean Tsien, Geneva Jefferies and Travis at the Peabody Awards Ceremony

Travis and I spent last weekend at Richard's [deceased filmmaker Richard Kotuk] sister Maggie's farm in East Hampton. Travis' cousin Monique, the "make a wish" girl in the film, was also there. We took a walk on the beach, collected sea shells and rode in Richard's father's 1965 Chevrolet convertible with the top down. In the afternoon, we picked five huge pumpkins at a nearby farm which I carved that evening - something Richard has done with Travis in the past. Throughout the day Travis remembered to take his medications.

That evening Maggie cooked a delicious dinner and Travis ate a full plate of ham and pasta! He's 11 years-old now and weighs about 80 lbs. He looks great! Having been the editor of the film, I've watched Travis grow up over the past few years. I remember the very first day I saw him enjoying his meal at the Cuban-Chinese restaurant. It made me realize how we healthy human beings take simple things like eating for granted. I was so happy to watch him relishing a full meal.

The funniest moment of the whole weekend was when I got on Maggie's horse with Travis - without a saddle! I was terrified while Travis was laughing his head off.

Since Mrs. Jefferies passing, Travis has moved to Manhattan to live with his Aunt Rita's family. Every Sunday, Rita cooks dinner for the whole family, - 20 to 30 people - at "Mama's" house. Rita said, "Now I know what Ma has gone through, not just the mental fatigue but also the physical. I can fall asleep while standing." Aunt Rita has one daughter and she treats Travis like her own son. Rita doesn't work because taking care of Travis is a 24-hour job. In the past few months, Travis had to go to the emergency room four times. One time he had to be hospitalized while he was at Camp Compass. Unfortunately he had to come back early from his favorite retreat.

Rita told me yesterday that Samantha has quit her job at the supermarket, but she is drug-free because she has to report to her parole officer.

Travis told me that he wants to go to Disney World 1. He wants to spend an entire month there! (I spent a week at Disney World myself and personally, I think it was torture.) I have asked Travis' doctor to help us to apply to the "Make a Wish" foundation. We'll see what happens.

For the moment he is enjoying his Pokemon cards and learning the computer. We are still waiting to see if he can go back to school. Meanwhile, Travis is getting one hour of home tutoring every day. He visits his psychiatrist Dr. Rabinowitz once a week and keeps his monthly appointment with Dr. Beutler.

All my best to the ITVS staff,

Jean Tsien

NOTE: Thanks to the kind and generous donations from visitors to the site, Travis did go to Disney World!

Travis update November 2002
Travis update February 24, 2000