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Sophy Dilan-Stewart

@stewart1775

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Wife to an amazing Husband. Mother to 5 amazing kids. Photography is my Passion, Sneakers are my Addiction.

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#VANS4TRISTAN 2022 Wrap Up. -430 Pairs of Vans requested. -220 donated at 12/3 event. *108 donated by @vans & @stevevandoren Purchase of 199+ Vans @vans & @rackroom_shoes Delivery of 300+ Vans completed. Delivery of 120 Vans going out on 12/19. 23 Schools. Homeless Veterans & Families. Every pair of Vans included a pair of @bombas socks & a kindness card. Thank you to everyone who purchased, volunteered time, attended our event, and continue to support & share our message of Mental Health Awareness & Tristan’s Story. #vans4tristan #vansfortristan #vans #vansfamily #mentalhealthawareness #suicideprevention #youmatter #988 #youareloved #bombassocks #community #tattooartist #IGY6 by @stewart1775

by @stewart1775

❤️ Five Years Later | October 17, 2021 – October 17, 2026

Five years ago, I shared a moment in my journey through grief. A moment when I finally found the strength to return to a place that once brought me to my knees.

After losing Tristan, I tried running from the pain, the guilt, and the unanswered questions. I thought distance would make it easier. Instead, I almost lost everything.

With my husband’s love and encouragement, I got help. Slowly, I began learning how to live again.

Today, five years later, the pain hasn’t disappeared. I still miss my son every single day. I still long to hear his laughter, see his smile, and hear him call me “Mom.”

But I’ve learned that healing doesn’t mean forgetting, and moving forward doesn’t mean leaving someone behind.

Through Vans4Tristan, we’ve found purpose in our pain. We’ve turned heartbreak into hope, helping others while keeping Tristan’s memory alive.

Five years ago, I was learning how to survive my grief. Today, I’m using that grief to help others.

If our story helps even one person realize they matter, then sharing it is worth it.

❤️ His life mattered. Your life matters. You belong here.

#Vans4Tristan #MentalHealthAwareness #SuicidePrevention #YouBelongHere #HealingThroughGrief by @stewart1775

❤️ HE WAS ONLY 15. HIS STORY DESERVES TO BE TOLD.
On December 7, 2014, we lost our son Tristan to suicide. Our world changed forever.
We didn’t recognize the signs. We didn’t know the pain he may have been carrying. And we’ve spent years asking ourselves how, why, and what we could have done differently.
The birthdays. The holidays. The milestones he’ll never reach. The empty seat at our family table.
You never stop missing your child. You simply learn to carry the grief.
But we made a promise. Tristan’s story would not end that day.
❤️ THAT PROMISE BECAME VANS4TRISTAN.
More than sneakers. More than tattoos. A legacy of love.
We all face challenges with our mental health. Sometimes the people who smile the brightest are carrying struggles we cannot see.
Our daughter Brooklyn reminds us:
“They may look okay, they may smile, they may laugh, and they may tell you they’re fine, but you never truly know what someone is carrying behind the person you see. Be kind, check in, and never assume you know someone’s story.”
That’s why we continue sharing Tristan’s story. Maybe it will encourage someone to reach out, check on a friend, or have a conversation that could save a life.
👟 JOIN US FOR VANS4TRISTAN 2026!
📅 Sunday, November 8
⏰ 11 AM – 5 PM
📍 Stanley Hall Ballroom | New Bern, NC
Bring a NEW pair of Vans sneakers and receive flash art from one of our talented tattoo artists!
Not interested in a tattoo? Come hang out, donate sneakers, and help us celebrate Tristan’s life.
Every pair donated will go to a child in need throughout Craven County during the holiday season.
🌐 www.vansfortristan.org
❤️ CAN’T ATTEND? YOU CAN STILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
Share this post. Tag a friend. Donate a pair of Vans. Check on someone you love.
We cannot bring Tristan back, but together, we can keep his legacy alive.
For Tristan. For those we’ve lost. And for those fighting battles we cannot see. ❤️
#Vans4Tristan #TristansLegacy #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthAwareness #BeKind by @stewart1775

📅 SAVE THE DATE — NOVEMBER 8, 2026

We are excited to announce that this year’s event will be held on Sunday, November 8!

Every year, this event is about more than simply coming together. It is about community, compassion, remembering, giving, and showing up for one another.

This year, our daughter Brooklyn shared something that stopped us in our tracks and perfectly captures a message we want to carry into this year’s event:

“They may look okay, they may smile, they may laugh, and they may tell you they’re fine, but you never truly know what someone is carrying behind the person you see. Be kind, check in, and never assume you know someone’s story.”

— Brooklyn

Those words are a reminder of something we can all do every single day: choose kindness.

Sometimes the person who seems the strongest is carrying something no one else can see. Sometimes a simple conversation, a check-in, an act of kindness, or just letting someone know “I’m here” can mean more than we realize.

❤️ November 8, 2026 — Save the date.

More information about this year’s event, how you can participate, and ways you can help will be coming soon.

Until then, remember Brooklyn’s words:

Be kind. Check in. Never assume you know someone’s story. by @stewart1775

Carefree by @stewart1775

The important thing is not the camera but the eye 📸 by @stewart1775

by @stewart1775

by @stewart1775

💙 In Loving Memory of Tristan Gilbert Velez 💙

We’re collecting Vans again this year to honor Tristan — a creative, vibrant soul who loved expressing himself through art and his favorite shoes. 👟✨

After his passing in 2014, friends began wearing Vans in his memory — sparking what’s now known as #Vans4Tristan.
Each year, this drive helps local kids, foster youth, and veterans in need — reminding them they’re seen, loved, and never alone. 💛

🎨 Event:
🗓 Nov 9 | 11AM–6PM
📍 The Stanly Ballroom – New Bern, NC
Donate a new pair of Vans or $50 and get a flash tattoo from @darksailtattoo 🖋

📦 Can’t make it? Mail your donation:
ATTN: Sophy Stewart / “Vans4Tristan”
201 Pond Pine Trail
New Bern, NC 28562

🙏 Please help us spread the word — share this post. 💙

#Vans4Tristan #SuicideAwareness #GiveBack #CommunityLove #DarkSailTattoo #HolidayKindness #MentalHealthMatters by @stewart1775

by @stewart1775

New Ink by @stewart1775