A local fighter has used his passion for competitive combat to travel the world, own and operate his own business, and rack up a veritable arsenal of trophy, medals, and awards. He has competed in various disciplines in the martial arts, particularly in his greatest passion, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, but now this brawler is putting effort into a different fight: the fight against cystic fibrosis.
May is Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, and people across the country have been putting their efforts into bringing attention to the disease and raising money for research into finding a cure. Greater Kansas City Great Strides held their annual walk through Theis Park on May 7.
Travis Conley owns and operates Underground Gym in Lee’s Summit, where he trains and works as a personal trainer. He’s been a warrior in one way or another for most of his life, from wrestling in high school to competing for Team USA in the World Championships of sambo, a Russian grappling sport.
Now he’s putting his efforts into the fight against cystic fibrosis, because of a very special personal connection: his little niece has been battling the disease her whole life.
Travis’s niece, Ella, was born with cystic fibrosis. Now 12 years old, Ella has always held a special place in Travis’s heart.