Help Triston Regain Independence

All donations to this GoFundMe will provide Triston with therapy, mobility services that will teach him how to navigate the world while blind, and a disability advocate.

After a traumatic childhood in the foster care system, Triston attempted to end his own life at the age of 19. He woke up two months later completely blind and disabled in many ways. Since then, he has not received therapy for his mental health. He has also had to teach himself how to use a cane without the help of a specialist. Navigating the world while blind is something that takes time, guidance, and expertise to learn. Access to a mobility specialist will allow Triston to regain a level of independence he has yet to achieve.

If our goal is reached, we will also hire a disability advocate to ensure Triston is maximizing his access to services. The system is needlessly complex and is even more difficult to navigate while blind. An advocate will ensure Triston is well taken care of.

I will work with Triston to find credited experts that can guide him to reach his mental and physical goals.

This money will be distributed to Triston through an ABLE account. ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts for individuals with disabilities, allowing them to save for qualified disability expenses (such as the ones mentioned above) without jeopardizing eligibility for public benefits like Medicaid and SSI. In order to keep his benefits, the money will first go to Special Books by Special Kids (a nonprofit), then it will be sent to Triston's ABLE account. An ABLE account has a $19,000 contribution limit per year. If this fundraiser exceeds $19,000, we will distribute the rest on January 1, 2026. This process can continue in succeeding years for as long as there is still money in the fundraiser. We are also able to pay for Triston's services directly if his ABLE account empties out in any particular year. 100% of these funds will go to Triston's services, and this process will ensure he keeps his benefits.

Thank you for contributing to Triston's fundraiser. Every dollar will be used to improve his mental health and ability to connect with the world.