About the Foundation

The Randy Travis Foundation is a charity dedicated to raising awareness for viral cardiomyopathy and providing arts and music enrichment for children. The two-part purpose connects a diverse group of people to support and find a cure for viral cardiomyopathy along with providing opportunities for at-risk children to participate in arts and music programs. The foundation mission is to serve those affected by viral cardiomyopathy by facilitating research and support for individuals affected by the condition along with creating opportunities for involvement in enrichment programs for children.

The Foundation was inspired by the personal story, challenges and success of Randy Travis.

On July 7, 2013, however, Randy’s life changed forever. On that day, he was admitted in critical condition to a Dallas hospital for viral cardiomyopathy after a viral upper respiratory infection. Three days later, he suffered a massive stroke and had surgery to relieve pressure on his brain. He spent over 5 ½ months in the ICU of various hospitals. He currently has difficulty speaking and is unable to walk or care for himself without assistance.

Given the challenges, Randy Travis continues to make positive progress in his recovery. He has a passion for music and a desire to create awareness and give back to the community. Randy Travis participates on the board of directors of Leadership Development Council to provide music enrichment opportunities for at-risk children. He serves as a personal example to not give up and continue walking in faith through all hardships. The programming he assists with gives hope to children that have challenges.​

​The Randy Travis Foundation is part of the Leadership Development Council, Inc., a Texas Non-Profit Corporation. In 2005, the Leadership Development Council, Inc., was organized for charitable and educational purposes and to foster affordable housing, leadership development, community awareness and viral cardiomyopathy research as specified in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. This includes, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code