The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) delivered a violin to Tristan at RMH in Winfield, IL on July 18, 2019. He is 18 years old and lives with his family in Durand, IL. Tristan is being treated at the Chicago Proton Center in Warrenville, IL. Tristan has been receiving chemo and proton therapy since he was diagnosed with cancer (neuroendocrine carcinoma) in May 2019.
Tristan is a musician. He just completed his first year at Northeastern Illinois University and is majoring in Music Education. Tristan has played the piano by ear since he was 2 years old and has played the trumpet since 5th grade. He also played the electric and acoustic guitar since he was 13 years old.
Tristan’s mom, Nanette, shared with us so many great things that Tristan has done, such as, releasing his first album in November of 2018 called NOW which can be heard on Spotify, YouTube and Amazon. She told us that he has a kind and gentle heart and loves to share his passion with others. This sounded very similar to Alyssa’s passion for music.
We understand well how having a life-threatening illness for a loved one changes iour perspective on the world. Alyssa’s illness changed ours and her inspiration motivates us every day to improve the lives of health-challenged youth by providing them with tools for the creation and joy of art and music.
It was a pleasure to meet Tristan and his parents. We wish Tristan a happy 19th birthday and many more to come. We hope Tristan enjoys his violin just as much as Alyssa enjoyed hers.
We are grateful to be able to give joy to Tristan and others in honor of our precious daughter, Alyssa.
