Honored Heroes

Meet Tristan 

2025 Big Climb National Honored Hero and blood cancer survivor 

My name is Tristan, an elite rock climber and AML survivor. In 2015, I won the collegiate national championship and have climbed worldwide. In April 2022, what seemed like a simple shoulder bruise from a fall while bouldering grew worse. Even after completing a V15 climb, a routine blood test revealed critically low platelets, leading to my AML diagnosis. Breaking the news to my mom was one of the hardest moments, knowing it would disrupt my family’s peace. 

I underwent two rounds of chemo at the hospital, followed by a bone marrow transplant. During my 67 days in the hospital, I lost 20 pounds and needed constant support just to walk. I was determined to rebuild my strength, not to compete but simply to enjoy climbing with friends again. By Thanksgiving, I was back to climbing, and by Christmas, I had regained weight. 

Nine months after my diagnosis, I returned to Texas to conquer Esperanza, a V14 climb that marked my recovery. My progress would not have been possible without the support of my family, the hospital staff, and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, which helps fund research like mine.  

Now, I focus on giving back. In 2024, my family and I were the top fundraisers in Boston’s Big Climb.