Indomitable spirit

Through pain, suffering, and adversity, Tristan remains a source of light and hope.

Tristan was diagnosed on Feb. 9th 2004 with a high grade intramedullary anaplastic astrocytoma measuring 2.9 cm by 1 cm located in the thoracic cord at T4-T9. He underwent a partial resection at The Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery at Beth Israel North in NY. Immediately following that procedure Tristan was left with paraplegia & neuropathic pain. After approximately 3 weeks of recovery he was admitted to Massachusetts General Hospital for treatment. There he received proton beam radiation therapy with concurrent temazolamide therapy. After 6 months of the chemotherapy it was stopped as it proved too harsh for his young body. All the while Tristan continued with inpatient, outpatient, and when home, in-home physical therapy on a regular basis.

As a result of the damage caused by the tumor itself and the radiation to the spine, as well as the long term high dose steroid therapy, the spinal column virtually collapsed resulting in a 77 degree by 44 degree S curve. Scoliosis repair with implementation was done by Dr. Fabian Bitan. Tristan now had 23 screws and 2 rods inserted at the T2 – L5 level of his spine. The pelvis was not fused at that point because the doctors were still hopeful that although he had not regained the ability to stand, that he still might at some point. Fusing the pelvis would have rendered that impossible.

The following year however, the pelvis had shifted so greatly due to the muscle weakness caused by the nerve damage from the tumor and resection that the spinal fusion had to be completed to the pelvis. Tristan now had 38 screws, 4 rods, and 2 double sided clamps fusing his spine from T2 to his pelvis. He fortunately through incredible effort had started to ambulate by that point with assistance and the use of a walker. He continued with the nonstop physical therapy as well.

Tristan also had metastatic disease to the left temporal lobe of the brain. Once again Tristan was back up at MGH undergoing proton beam radiation therapy. This time to his brain.

The only reason Tristan has accomplished so much is because of his incredible strength and will, coupled with the exceptional team of medical professionals we have been working with for the last 11 years.

Tristan underwent further spinal surgery in March 2015 to remove hardware from T2-T7 that had shifted with his growth. He faces the great possibility of another much more major orthopedic surgery in his future because of the shifting of the fused spine during his growth over the last 10 years.

A true Competitor

Tristan learned the value of fighting through adversity from his family, his dad, Jim, and his brothers, Matt, Nick, and Jimmy.

Tristan's medical history

Tristan's Biggest Fan

Is his grandfather, Pete Clemente, aka; Poppy, who loves Tristan even more than he loves baseball, which is immeasurable.

A true Scholar

Tristan has always excelled in all things academic and is now a senior at Fordham.

The object of affection

Tristan's personality has made him a magnet for unending love and affection.

A FOundation of family

Tristan is blessed by an incredible family loving and supporting him through the mountains and valleys of life: (L to R) dad Jim, Kat, Linda, Jimmy, Tristan, Matt, Nicky, & mom, Paddy.