COLUMBIA, S.C. – Travis Luthren’s day usually includes thousands of steps.
But it was that first step in 2022 that changed everything.
Luthren was overweight and battling gastric and reflux issues when he decided to get moving.
He came to his co-worker, Anthony Buzetti, in January 2022.
“In 2022, he was struggling with some health issues. He was also having difficulty doing normal everyday activities like walking up stairs,” said Buzetti, director of community outreach at Special Olympics South Carolina.
From 50 yards to thousands of steps
Buzetti has a fitness background. Both men work at Special Olympics SC. Four years ago, Buzetti saw in Luthren a friend who needed some help.
“I kinda dismissed it, thinking this is just a New Year’s resolution thing,” Buzetti said.
But Luthren was determined.
“Just go outside and take a walk,” Luthren said.
When Luthren started out, he walked no more than 50 yards. With each step and healthier food choices, the weight started to fall off. Within months, the progress was apparent.
“Just try to eat plenty of protein,” Luthren said.
“Slowly but surely, we began to see results, and I guess the rest is history,” Buzetti said.
Swimming and support
When Luthren isn’t walking, he’s in the pool. He has been swimming since 1997 and has won Special Olympics gold medals along the way.
“My mom, she had tears of joy that I finally [won] a gold in the backstroke,” Luthren said.
Each lap now helps him stay fit.
“All of a sudden he’s half the man he used to be. He started at 232 pounds and as of this morning, he recorded at 131 pounds. So that’s a total of 102 lost for Mr. Travis,” Buzetti said.
Luthren credits his success to the one person always in his corner.
“My mom is my biggest cheerleader,” Luthren said. “And she’s very proud of what I’ve done.”
A mother’s support
Susan Luthren is poolside for all of her son’s events. She has had a front row seat to his weight loss journey.
“We are two peas in a pod. I’ve been very blessed. I’m truly blessed to be Travis’s mom,” said Susan.
“She was very emotional when her doctor said your son would have special needs,” Travis said.
His mother explained it this way.
“Sometimes when you hear the diagnosis of Down syndrome, you never know what life might entail. But we’ve been very blessed in our family.”
“She created my support system from the very get-go, and I just want to thank her that she helped me on my path,” Travis Luthren said before adding,
“I feel more strong now.”
Travis Luthren and Buzetti also team up for the “Walk this Way” program as part of the Special Olympics. They visit local schools to tell Luthren’s story, promoting healthy living and getting active.
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