Travis Dean
Scholarship Fund

History and Purpose:
Travis Dean was just 19 years old when his life would be altered forever. In November of 2006, not long after graduating from high school, Travis was the passenger in a tragic car accident that would injure him and result in him becoming paralyzed with tetraplegia. At this critical turning point in his life, Travis changed. While having every reason to feel bitter over his circumstances, Travis chose differently. He instead leaned into being empathetic, compassionate and non-judgmental. Travis knew how to meet people where they were and helped from a generous, loving place. This is not to say that Travis did not have internal struggles related to the changing abilities of his physical body – he did – and this resulted in his development of a substance use disorder that helped diminish his inner turmoil, if only temporarily.

 In 2009, the lives of Travis Dean and Danny Cox would intersect. Travis’ mom brought him to a 12-step meeting where Danny was sharing. Travis and his mom approached Danny after and a near instant friendship blossomed. Danny became a caregiver for Travis and a 15-year relationship ensued. As in all deep, meaningful friendships Danny and Travis endured many ups and downs. Both continued to struggle on and off with substance use disorder. During the many good times they shared, Travis and Danny traveled, had adventures and spent time with Travis’ immediate and extended family.

In December 2019, Danny began a period of sobriety that continues to this day and that would lead him to become trained as a peer recovery specialist in 2021. This training jump started his career in behavioral health. Travis, as always, supported Danny in this endeavor. Danny went on to become certified and registered with the Commonwealth of Virginia
as a peer.

 In March of 2023, Travis Dean passed away to the devastation of his family, including Danny.

 Danny continued his work in substance use disorder treatment as a peer recovery specialist, going on to become a Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services certified trainer of peers in 2024. After becoming a trainer, Danny knew he wanted to establish a scholarship fund in Travis’ honor so that others could learn to utilize the unparalleled therapeutic value of their lived experience to help others still in the struggle. Danny asserts that his most important lessons in being a peer were learned from Travis.

 In June 2025, The Travis Dean Scholarship Fund was established through the generosity of Travis’ family to carry forward his legacy of loving and supporting others regardless of their circumstance. This scholarship fund provides free peer training for those with limited resources who are seeking the path of the peer. The fund is currently administered through Roanoke Area Ministries (RAM House) who acts as the fiscal agent. Tax deductible donations can be made via this website.