November Update: Tristan's Journey Continues with Strength, Humor, and Hope

Three months ago, we shared Tristan's progress as he worked tirelessly at Shepherd Center in Georgia, determined to breathe on his own and rebuild his strength after a devastating spinal cord injury left him a quadriplegic. Today, we're honored to bring you an update on this remarkable young man who continues to inspire everyone around him.

Thanks to your incredible generosity, we've raised $68,000 toward our $100,000 goal. Every dollar has gone toward giving Tristan the medical care, equipment, and support he needs to not just survive, but to truly live. But the journey is far from over, and Tristan still needs us in his corner.

Major Victories Worth Celebrating

This week brought the kind of breakthrough the family has been praying for. After nearly two hours with a rehab medicine legend who took the time to thoroughly review Tristan's case, they finally have a comprehensive game plan. The doctor immediately placed urgent referrals for OT/PT, Pulmonary, Urology, and a Colorectal Surgeon. When a doctor doesn't hesitate to mark referrals as urgent, you know the need is real.

Even more encouraging? Tristan has gained weight back. After dropping from 194 pounds of muscle down to 143 pounds in those first devastating months, he's fought his way back up to 160 pounds. For a young man who was once strong enough to move anything, every pound represents a hard-won victory.

The Battles Still Being Fought

But the road remains difficult. In just the past week, the family has made two 911 calls, endured another ambulance ride, and spent nearly six hours in the ER. Tristan's blood pressure spiked dangerously high, first to 210/124, then to 196/121, triggered by Autonomic Dysreflexia related to ongoing urology complications. These episodes are happening too frequently and pose serious risks.

The blessing? No organ damage. The family is thanking God for that mercy while continuing to advocate for better medical solutions and more responsive care.

The Spirit That Won't Be Broken

What strikes us most about Tristan is his unshakable spirit. Even medicated in the ER, he's making elderly nurses laugh, playfully roasting paramedics, and somehow turning the hospital into his own comedy show. His body may be paralyzed from the collarbones down, but his humor and resilience are lifting everyone around him. He's proof that strength isn't just physical, it's the determination to find joy even in the darkest moments.

How You Can Continue to Help

The needs are ongoing. Tristan still requires:

A wheelchair-accessible van for transportation to therapy, school, and medical appointments

Adaptive technology that will allow him to attend college, communicate, and maintain independence

A power wheelchair that gives him the ability to reposition and move without constant assistance

Ongoing medical care, specialist appointments, and equipment not covered by insurance

Support for his family as they navigate this complex medical journey

We've raised $68,000 of our $100,000 goal, but there's still work to do. Every contribution, whether it's $5, $50, or $500, brings Tristan closer to the independence and quality of life he's fighting so hard to reclaim.

Join Team Tristan

If you've already donated, thank you. Your generosity is making a real difference in Tristan's life. If you're just learning about his story, please consider joining Team Tristan today. And if you can't give financially, please share this page. The more people who know about Tristan's journey, the stronger his support system becomes.

This young man is fighting with everything he has. Let's make sure he has everything he needs to win.

Donate today and help us reach our $100,000 goal. Together, we can give Tristan the chance to not just recover, but to truly live.

September Update

On July 2nd, Tristan’s life changed in an instant when he was mountain biking in Arkansas. He was life-flighted to Missouri with a broken neck and severe spinal cord injury leaving him a quadriplegic unable to breathe without a ventilator. He’s been working hard at Shepherd Center in Georgia since July 25th determined to get stronger using faith and determination every day.

He’s gone from relying on a ventilator full-time to working toward breathing on his own. He’s learning adaptive technologies using his head and mouth. All while keeping his sense of humor.

Now, Tristan is preparing for the next chapter: coming home to San Antonio Texas. But he needs specialized equipment and support to live as independently as possible. Insurance doesn’t cover all of it, so we’re asking for help from friends, family, and anyone moved by Tristan’s journey.

His biggest needs currently are Transportation and Technology. A Full Size wheelchair-accessible van so Tristan can get to therapy, school, and activities all while adjusting to his medical needs which still don’t allow him to sit all the way upright. Technology such as adaptive devices that let him continue to go to college, play games, communicate and regain his independence. And a power wheelchair that gives him the ability to reposition and move on his own without constant assistance.

Every dollar brings Tristan closer to freedom and independence. Whether it’s $5, $50, or $500, you’re part of Team Tristan. If you can’t donate, please share his story. The more people who know about his journey, the stronger his support system becomes.

Together, we can make sure Tristan has not just the chance to recover, but the chance to truly live.

[Original Posting]
Stand With Tristan — A Fighter Who Needs Us Now

Life changed in an instant for GZ and Jennifer when their son, Tristan, was in a horrific biking accident. He was life-flighted to a Neuro Trauma ICU in Missouri and remains in critical condition.

Tristan suffered a broken neck and severe spinal cord damage—leaving him completely paralyzed from the neck down. He can’t breathe on his own and is now on a ventilator. He recently developed pneumonia, which came on fast and is making an already dire situation even more dangerous. Doctors are doing all they can to stabilize him, but the road ahead is long and uncertain.

Tristan is fully conscious and in pain—but he’s fighting with everything he has. He’s made it clear: he wants to survive. And now, he needs all of us in his corner.

Over the next few days, Tristan will undergo a tracheostomy and feeding tube placement as doctors monitor his breathing, temperature, and infection. His family has been by his side every moment—and we want to help keep them there.

We’re asking you to surround GZ, Jennifer, and Tristan with your love, your prayers, and your support.

No one should have to walk this path alone. Your donations will help Combat Control Foundation cover:

Medical expenses not covered by insurance
Travel and lodging for his family to remain by his side
Long-term rehabilitation and care needs
Any future adaptive technologies required for daily life
Unforeseen costs related to this life-altering injury

This isn’t just about raising money—it’s about raising up a family that is hurting, hopeful, and holding onto faith. Every gift, prayer, and share matters.

Let’s show Tristan and his family that they’re not alone in this fight.

Please give what you can, pray without ceasing, and share this page far and wide.

Stand With Tristan — A Fighter Who Needs Us Now

Life changed in an instant—Tristan is fighting to breathe, to live, and to heal. Let’s help carry the weight for his family.

Team Members