Hello, my name is Tre Ewell, and I’m reaching out to ask for support for my mom, Barbara Abney, and my stepdad, known and loved throughout Sacramento as Tristen Mayes from 97.5 FM KDEE.

For years, Tristen has been a trusted and familiar voice in Sacramento. As a host and community advocate on KDEE, he didn’t just play music—he connected people. He uplifted local voices, supported Black-owned businesses, and stood behind causes that strengthened our city. Many know him not just as a radio personality, but as someone who genuinely cared about the community he served. He absolutely loves the radio station and his listeners.

In recent years, Tristen has also been working to build his own in-house podcast, continuing his mission of sharing stories and bringing people together in a more personal way. Unfortunately, ongoing health challenges have slowed that dream.

In 2019, Tristen suffered a major heart attack. Since then, he has lived with an LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device), a life-sustaining device that helps his heart pump blood. While it has kept him going, it has come with serious complications. He has endured multiple infections related to the device, resulting in repeated hospitalizations, invasive procedures, and long courses of powerful antibiotics and other medications.

The past couple years have been especially difficult, with at least 10 hospitalizations. The emotional toll has been heavy, and the financial strain has become overwhelming—especially as rising medical-related costs have made it harder to keep up with essential care.

Through it all, my mom, Barbara, has been by his side. She is a loving mother and devoted wife who spent nearly 30 years in social work serving others and has since returned to work as a retired annuitant while continuing to care for Tristen.

Right now, medical bills are only one part of the challenge. Time away from work, ongoing care needs, and everyday household expenses continue to add up during this extended medical crisis.

We are asking for your support— through a donations and sharing this fundraiser. Please keep Tristen and our family in your prayers. Every contribution helps ease the burden and allows our family to focus on what matters most: Tristen’s health, stability at home, and hope for the road ahead.

How You Can Support (Donate on GoFundMe Directly)

Your donation, no matter the size, will help with:

From our family to yours, thank you for reading, sharing, and standing with us.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Tre Ewell

(on behalf of Barbara Abney and Frontis “Tristen Mayes” Abney)