Who is Bunnia Greenwood? The cancer patient Randy Travis flew to Chicago to surprise

After spending more than three decades caring for critically ill newborns, Bunnia Greenwood became the patient. As she continues battling multiple cancer diagnoses, one lifelong dream came true when country music legend Randy Travis traveled to Chicago to surprise her in person.

For most of her career, Bunnia Greenwood was the one comforting families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

As a neonatal intensive care unit, or NICU, nurse, she spent more than 30 years caring for premature and critically ill babies, helping thousands of families through medical emergencies.

Today, the caregiver is the one receiving treatment.

Greenwood is now battling multiple forms of cancer, but her determination and optimism recently led to a moment she says she’ll never forget. Country music icon Randy Travis traveled to Chicago to surprise her in person after learning she was one of his biggest fans.

Randy Travis surprised a longtime fan who is currently undergoing treatment after battling cancer for years. https://t.co/I0yQ29hSRi

— TODAY (@TODAYshow) August 4, 2026

Who is Bunnia Greenwood?

Bunnia Greenwood is a retired NICU nurse and patient at City of Hope Chicago, where she has been undergoing cancer treatment.

According to the hospital, Greenwood has faced multiple cancer diagnoses over the years. Throughout her treatment, she has become known for her positive outlook and a personal motto she repeats often.

“Choose joy.”

Friends, family and medical staff say that attitude has inspired those around her, even during the most difficult stages of her illness.

Why did Randy Travis visit her?

Hospital staff learned that meeting Randy Travis had been one of Greenwood’s biggest dreams.

They initially hoped to arrange a video call with the country music star.

Instead, Travis and his wife, Mary Travis, decided to do something far more personal.

The couple traveled to City of Hope Chicago to meet Greenwood face to face, surprising her during her treatment.

When Travis entered the room, Greenwood immediately became emotional, calling the visit one of the greatest moments of her life.

Music that helped her through cancer

Greenwood has long credited Randy Travis’ music with helping her through difficult moments.

Songs such as “Three Wooden Crosses” and “Forever and Ever, Amen” became a source of comfort during hospital stays, treatments and recovery.

For someone who had spent decades caring for others, finally meeting the artist behind those songs carried special meaning.

The visit was made even more remarkable considering Travis’ own health journey.

Randy Travis understands life after illness

In 2013, Randy Travis suffered a massive stroke that left him fighting for his life and significantly affected his ability to speak and sing.

After years of rehabilitation, he has gradually returned to public appearances with the support of his wife, Mary.

His visit to Greenwood reflected that shared understanding of resilience, recovery and finding hope despite serious medical challenges.