Help Support Tristen Green's Fight Against Brain Cancer

Dear friends and family,

I’m reaching out to you during one of the most challenging moments of our lives. Just days before Tristen Green was set to celebrate her 29th birthday, she began experiencing severe headaches that quickly became debilitating. She rushed to Baptist Health in Corbin, where doctors delivered the heartbreaking news: Tristen had a brain tumor. She was immediately transferred to the University of Kentucky (UK) Hospital, where we learned the diagnosis was brain cancer.

After a successful full resection surgery, we felt a spark of hope. Her neurosurgeon did a phenomenal job, and the initial pathology report gave us cautious optimism. But the road has not been without setbacks. On Sunday, October 20th, everything changed when Tristen suffered her first-ever seizure. Fearing the worst—a possible stroke—we rushed her to Baptist Health. While there, she endured a second seizure and had to be transferred once again to UK Hospital for further care.

The following days were overwhelming. It took over 24 hours to get an MRI, and even after the results were in, we faced long waits and mixed messages. Some nurses believed the scans showed a lesion, while others suspected swelling. The back-and-forth left us feeling lost and frustrated, but clarity finally came when her original neurosurgeon reviewed the MRI results. The seizures were not just complications—they were a result of the regrowth of her cancer. Tristen now urgently needs to begin chemotherapy and radiation treatment to fight this recurrence.

In light of all that has happened, I’ve decided to take FMLA leave from work for at least the next five weeks to support her through this intense treatment. With our 3-year-old daughter, Gwen, at home, managing everything—emotionally, physically, and financially—has become overwhelming. Traveling back and forth between home and Lexington for treatments, staying overnight when needed, and keeping up with regular bills have placed a heavy strain on us.

My primary goal is to raise enough funds to cover my mortgage payment and utilities, which would provide some stability and peace of mind while we focus on Tristen’s care. Any contribution—whether it helps with gas, lodging, or other essential expenses—will make a difference. Your generosity will allow us to concentrate on what matters most: Tristen’s health and being present for Gwen through this difficult time.

We are deeply grateful for any support you can provide, whether through a donation, a message of encouragement, or your prayers. Your kindness means the world to us, and it gives us the strength to keep moving forward.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Shawn Green