Tripp has been fighting unimaginable battles since birth. Diagnosed with Pelizaeus‑Merzbacher Disease (PMD), he has undergone 29 surgeries and procedures on his hips, feet, stomach, ear, eye, and lungs, and has spent over a year in hospitals. He has flatlined twice, yet continues to defy every prediction—doctors once said he would be bedridden for life, but today he eats solid foods, crawls, walks with a walker, communicates his needs, and speaks more than 150 words (with “Mario” being a favorite). He loves RC cars, racing, and playing with his sister, proving every day that his joy is stronger than his diagnosis.

Tripp recently missed a rare stem cell trial that accepted only 80 children worldwide, but there is new hope as the FDA moves through Stage 2 of 4 on a medication that may slow PMD. To qualify for future research opportunities, he now must undergo additional testing and treatment at Duke Medical Center, with the medical trial located at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The financial strain of surgeries, travel, and specialized care is overwhelming for his family. This fundraiser is a chance to stand beside a little boy who has fought harder than most people ever will. Every donation helps give Tripp access to the care, treatment, and opportunities he deserves—and brings him closer to the future he continues to fight for.