Fifteen-year-old Gives Back Despite Battling Rare Brain Disease

Trista stands alongside pick-up truck and van with donated backpacks
by SalvationArmy.ca
Categories: Articles, Feature, Mobile, Newswire
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Trista Reid wants to end homelessness―a big aspiration for a girl who is just shy of her 16th birthday. Instead of birthday gifts, Trista asked friends and family to donate backpacks and school supplies to help vulnerable children in London, Ont., begin the school year with the tools they need to succeed.

I’ve always had a passion to help the homeless,” says Trista.When I realized how many children were without, I wanted to help their self-esteem and set them up for a better future. Education is important to me.”

Trista has donated to the Rock Back-to-School Campaign since she was 10 years old. The Salvation Army, Classic Rock 98.1, United Way and the Thames Valley Education Foundation collaborate every summer to help over 3,000 students who need assistance.

When I realized how many children were without, I wanted to help their self-esteem and set them up for a better future.”

This year, despite being a difficult one for Trista due to health reasons, she managed to collect 251 backpacks–each one full of school supplies.

Trista’s father, Rob, says his daughter continues to leave their family speechless with her compassion to help others who are less fortunate.

“Even when she was down and out, in the hospital, she fought back to help others.”

There are no words for it,” says Rob. We are extremely proud of her. Family, friends, colleagues and some local businesses all helped out.”

Trista was diagnosed with a rare brain disease earlier this year and was unsure if she would be able to carry on her birthday tradition.

“With the challenges she’s faced this year, we weren’t sure she was going to be able to because of her rare brain disease,” says Rob. “Even when she was down and out, in the hospital, she fought back to help others.”

Trista will celebrate her 16th birthday on September 1.

By Shannon Wise