June 2 Charity Track Meet to Benefit Triston Walls

 

SAINT LOUIS (May 2016) – Proceeds from this year’s Festival of Miles on June 2 will benefit Triston Walls, a four-year-old from Ste. Genevieve, Mo. who has been battling a heart condition since birth.

 

“This year’s athlete-in-need isn’t necessarily a master of a particular sport, but rather embodies the spirit and determination of a champion,” said Katie Helbig, Festival of Miles Foundation Board Member. “Triston and his family have shown such courage as they’ve dealt with difficult diagnosis after difficult diagnosis. It is our privilege to support this family at this year’s Festival of Miles.”

 

Days after he was born, doctors discovered four holes in Triston’s heart. He had his first open heart surgery at 7 months old. When he was almost a year old, he was diagnosed with both pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary vein stenosis, which required another open heart surgery. In addition, they discovered that Triston has MCM syndrome, of which there are only 150 confirmed cases in the world. Just recently, in April, Triston suffered a bit of a setback and had another emergency open heart surgery, however, he is currently at home in Ste. Genevieve recovering.

 

“Triston is our Superman. He has shocked both us and his doctors time and time again,” Triston’s mom, Carrie, says. “We’ve almost lost him so many times, but he’s here because his will to live is unreal, and he’s got something to do still. We are honored Triston was chosen to be a part of the Festival of Miles. It will be something fun for him and our family.”

 

Despite his challenging health issues, Triston is a laid back kid who likes Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, the color red and loves to swim. Everyone who goes to his Facebook page “Prayers for Triston,” which has almost 8,000 followers, instantly falls in love with his sweet smile and curly hair. “Many followers see him as an inspiration and comment on how strong he is considering the constant ups and downs he lives with,” says Carrie.

 

This year’s meet will take place on Thursday evening June 2 at Saint Louis University High School, and will feature an action-packed schedule of races over the course of two-and-a-half hours. The event serves as a chance for some of the nation’s best high school athletes to compete on the same night as the pros. In addition to the high school all-star mile races, the meet includes a professional men’s mile and a professional women’s 800.

 

Other youth events include the GO! St. Louis Healthy Kids Mile and Middle School Mile, which are open to any kindergarten through eighth grade student. Register HERE.

 

Tickets are $5 at the door or online HERE, with funds from the gate supporting the family of Triston Walls.

 

The Festival of Miles Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the sport of track and field and give back to athletes in need. The Festival of Miles is a track meet featuring 2.5 hours of non-stop action with youth and middle school races, high school races showcasing some of the nation’s top talent and pro races featuring Olympic level athletes. Each year proceeds from ticket sales go to an athlete/athletes in need. To learn more visit https://stlfestivalofmiles.com

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