Graduating Teen Inspires Donations for Children’s Hospitals

“Tristen stands out in a crowd because of her personality and kind heart.”

Her rare disorder affects development of blood vessels, soft tissues and bones. It’s meant a lifetime of issues for her, including a below-the-knee amputation, but in Tristen’s case her challenges have  made her an incredibly empathetic teen, wise beyond her years.  

“I feel like there is no ‘normal’ in the world – everybody is just different,” she says. “We should be able to talk to each other about our differences and be okay with them.” 

Tristen is one of 10 million children treated at Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals each year.  She shares her story to  inspire others to give to children’s hospitals.

As healthcare costs continue to rise, government and insurance programs do not fully cover the cost of care. Donations help fill the funding gap to ensure hospitals have the critical funds they need. Donations provide patient programs, services, treatments and charitable care for kids. As an ambassador for Dayton Children’s Hospital, Tristen hopes her story sheds a light on how donations help more kids.

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals raises funds and awareness for 170 children’s hospitals across the U.S. and Canada. Thanks to the generous support of various fundraising partners and programs, donations help kids like Tristen – no matter their illness or injuries – get the best care when they need it. Find out more about why children’s hospital need community support and join these partners to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible.