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A college drop-off I will never take for granted. 💚

Today we dropped Tristan off at UVM for his freshman year.

Like so many moms, I’m emotional about letting my son go. But for me, there’s another layer to this moment that is hard to put into words.

At 15 years old, Tristan was diagnosed with two forms of leukemia. There was a time when simply imagining this day felt impossible.

And yet…here we are. 💚

Moving into a dorm. Starting college. Meeting new people. Beginning a whole new chapter of his life.

I will never stop being grateful to the stem cell donor who helped make this day possible. A stranger made the decision to join a donor registry—and that decision ultimately gave my son a chance at a future.

A future that includes this moment.

It has taught our family something we will carry forever:

Life is for living.

Take the trip. Make the memories. Say I love you. Be kind. Give people grace. Stop waiting for the “perfect” time.

We aren’t promised tomorrow, so be grateful for the ordinary days, the extraordinary ones, and every beautiful milestone in between.

And if Tristan’s story moves you, please consider doing something that could give another family a day like this one.

❤️ If you’re 18–40, join the NMDP donor registry (formerly Be The Match). A simple cheek swab could someday lead to you saving someone’s life.

👉 Join here: https://www.nmdp.org/get-involved/join-the-registry

Today I’m one incredibly grateful—and incredibly proud—mom.

Tristan, go live this beautiful life you fought so hard for. 💚

And to his donor: thank you for giving us the gift of more time, more memories, and moments like today.

Please share this. You never know who might join the registry because they heard Tristan’s story—and whose life they may someday save. ❤️

#NMDP #BeTheMatch #StemCellDonor #StemCellTransplant #LeukemiaSurvivor UVM CollegeDropOff FreshmanYear LifeIsForLiving GratefulEveryDay
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