As a standout high school volleyball player, Tristan is no stranger to battling it out on the court. But his greatest victory required a different kind of tenacity. Persistent pain in his knee led Tristan and his family to Nicklaus Children’s Helen & Jacob Shaham Cancer & Blood Disorders Institute, where he was diagnosed with a common type of bone cancer, osteosarcoma, in his leg.
Under the care of Dr. Maggie Fader, Pediatric Hematologist and Oncologist, and Dr. TJ Utset-Ward, Orthopedic Oncologist and Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon, Tristan underwent chemotherapy before and after a complex limb-sparing surgical procedure. Within days of surgery, he was walking. Not wanting to miss a beat at school, Tristan shifted to online schooling during his chemo treatments and attended volleyball games to support his teammates.
Tristan’s triumph over osteosarcoma showcases the importance of a multidisciplinary and compassionate care team committed to helping young athletes heal and continue pursuing their athletic dreams. Today, Tristan is on the road to recovery and regaining his strength and preparing to return to the court for more wins.