Tristan would never ask for help himself, so those of us who love him decided to ask on his behalf. If you've ever met Tristan Staley, you know exactly the kind of person he is. He's the guy who shows up when you need him, encourages people in their faith, and would do just about anything for a friend. He's one of the most genuine, selfless people I've ever known, and I'm blessed to call him one of my best friends.

That's why so many of us were shocked when we learned what happened this week.

On Monday night, Tristan's Staley's parents found him unconscious in his room after he didn't come downstairs for dinner. They had to force their way into his room, where they found him severely injured, confused, and covered in blood. He was rushed to the hospital, where his condition quickly became critical.

Doctors discovered Tristan Staley was fighting a severe infection. His white blood cell count had climbed to an astonishing 52,000, his kidneys had begun to fail, and he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. His condition became so serious that he was hallucinating, confused, and had to be restrained to keep himself safe while doctors worked to stabilize him.

Thankfully, doctors have ruled out meningitis and several other serious infections, but they are still trying to determine what caused the infection that nearly took his life.

Based on the medical evidence, doctors believe Tristan suffered a seizure while he was alone in his room. During the seizure, he fell backward into a glass TV stand, causing a deep cut to the back of his head. They believe he later managed to get up in a confused state, made his way to the bathroom, and eventually returned to the couch, where he remained until his parents, Jim & Vonda Staley, found him.

Doctors estimate Tristan Staley may have been lying there for 12 to 24 hours before he was discovered.

One doctor told the family something that's hard to even process:

If they had found Tristan just a couple of hours later, he most likely would not have survived.

As if that wasn't enough, additional imaging showed Tristan also fractured five vertebrae in his back during the fall. While he's making progress every day, he still has a long road ahead with continued testing, rehabilitation, specialist care, and recovery.

Why We're Asking for Help

As friends, we wanted to do something to help.

To make an already difficult situation even harder, Tristan recently lost his health insurance. While working toward his master's degree, he wasn't working full-time, and the cost of marketplace insurance was simply more than he could afford as a student.

Now he's facing an ICU stay, extensive testing, specialist care, rehabilitation, and a long recovery without health insurance.

Every dollar raised will go directly toward helping Tristan and his family with:

ICU hospitalization and emergency medical expenses

Neurology and infectious disease specialists

Diagnostic testing and imaging

Rehabilitation and physical therapy

Prescription medications

Follow-up medical care

Recovery-related living expenses

Why This Means So Much

One thing I've learned this week is just how many people love Tristan.

As soon as he was finally allowed to have visitors, our group dropped everything to be there. Seeing our friend awake again after everything he's been through is something none of us will ever forget.

Tristan has spent years investing in other people, encouraging us in our faith, and being there whenever someone needed him. Now it's our turn to be there for him.

If you know Tristan, you already know the kind of man he is.

If you don't know him personally, I hope you'll consider helping someone who has dedicated his life to loving and serving others.

How You Can Help

If you're able to donate, no matter the amount, it will make a real difference as Tristan focuses on healing instead of worrying about overwhelming medical bills.

If you can't give financially, we completely understand. We simply ask that you keep Tristan in your prayers and share this fundraiser with others.

Thank you for taking the time to read Tristan Staley's

story and for standing with him during one of the hardest seasons of his life.

We know God is faithful, and we're believing He still has an incredible future ahead for our brother and friend.

—Brayden Dubose

On behalf of Tristan's closest friends