Todd Millang: A True Role Model

When Travis was four years old, he was adopted by his foster mother, Vicki Frank. With only one adult sister, his mom knew he needed some sort of male role model in his life. Then one of her co-workers introduced her to Big Brothers Big Sisters. “I enrolled Travis in the program six years ago when he was matched with his Big Brother, Todd Millang,” Vicki said. “Travis and I don’t think there could be anyone better than Todd – he is just great.”
 
Todd shares the same opinion about Travis. “I really enjoy just hanging out with Travis,” he said. “It gives me an excuse to do fun things I wouldn’t normally do at my age.” One of Todd’s favorite outings is eating lunch with Travis at school. “When I eat with him, I love watching him interact with his friends,” Todd said.
 
While their outings often consist of eating Chinese food for dinner, playing basketball at the YMCA, riding bikes or just playing with Todd’s dog, Gus, the two of them thoroughly enjoy every minute they spend together. “Travis thinks the world of Todd,” Vicki said. “He is always looking forward to their next outing.” 
 
Over the past six years, both Vicki and Todd have noticed a difference in Travis. While Travis has always been a straight A student, he has struggled interacting with others. “Travis is often very impulsive when he is around others – saying and doing things that aren’t always appropriate,” said Vicki. “I think Todd has done a great job helping him work on those things because it has gotten better.”
 
As a Senior Vice President at CBRE/Hubbell Commercial, owner of Johnny’s Hall of Fame, world traveler and volunteer for several non-profits, Todd is still able to find the time to meet with Travis. “Many times when I get off work, I pick Travis up and we grab dinner,” Todd stated. “This gives us time to actually talk about what is going on at school, home and life in general.”
 
Todd has travelled the world taking trips to places like Egypt and Greece; he has even climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. During these trips he makes sure Travis still has some connection to him. “Before Todd leaves he will print off the daily itinerary and give it to Travis,” Vicki said. “Travis puts it on his bulletin board and follows it day by day. Once Todd gets back, they talk about the trip – Travis almost feels like he was there too.”
 
Todd is hopeful that his match with Travis will have a life-lasting impact to help make our community better. “I have always loved the shellfish story that sums up the thought that if you can have a meaningful impact on just one person, you have helped this world to be a better place,” said Todd. 
 
Todd admits Travis has also made an impact on his life as well. “In these past six years with Travis, he has helped me to remember to be grateful for the life I live,” said Todd. “He also helps me remember all the little things that are fun about growing up.”

Start Something positive in a child’s life and your own by becoming a Big! For more information, please contact Megan at mbradke@bbbsia.org or 515-288-9025 etx. 232.