Celebrity Moms Give Back: Nancy Travis from the Bill Engvall Show talks with Classy Mommy

Classy Mommy talks with Nancy Travis, a star in TBS’s Top-Rated Family Sitcom THE BILL ENGVALL SHOW, to return for a Second Season on June 12th, about giving back. Nancy Travis made her feature film debut in the blockbuster comedy Three Men and A Baby. She also recently appeared in the film Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and The Jane Austin Book Club. She resides in Los Angeles with her husband and two children.

Classy Mommy: I find having children inspires many moms to better themselves, as we all want to be role models for our kids and make the world a better place for them. Since having a child, how has your perspective on giving back changed?
My second son, Jeremy, was born prematurely. It was a scary, emotional time. If it weren’t for the fine doctor and nurses who took care of him and especially the rapid advances in research and treatment, I wouldn’t have the healthy son I do now. So I have recently started a charity, “Jump Start”, to raise money to endow the chair of Neonatology at the hospital where my son was born. Also, I am alarmed by global warming and active in promoting a greener planet. Regardless of the facts and science, I am amazed at how people can deny the waste we generate and the pollution we cause.

Classy Mommy: What are some of your favorite causes?

In addition to my efforts on behalf of neonatology and the environment, I support the Arthritis Foundation. I’m also passionate about animals, so I give generously to animal rescue – even wolves!

Classy Mommy: Why are these charities and causes important to you?
My mother suffers from very severe rheumatoid arthritis, and I have watched her struggle with chronic pain and become wheelchair bound. So that is why I support the Arthritis Foundation and advocate for stem-cell research and anything that will speed the cure of auto-immune diseases. My support for animals extends from the wonderful dogs we got from a local pet rescue organization.

I believe you decide on the cause you want to be associated with by how profoundly you or someone you love is affected by it. Everything I’m involved with stems directly from my personal connections to the issues.

The charity I am currently pioneering is called “Jump Start,” to raise money to endow the chair of Neonatology at the hospital where my son was born. We are in the process of organizing our first fundraiser and Web site.

Apart from that, I would suggest getting involved in whatever moves you. If you can’t give money, then by all means find a group and give of your time. You can always start your own charity. It is daunting at first and a great deal of work, but it can be very rewarding. A little bit goes a long way.