DEFANIAK SPRINGS, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – A 12-year-old Walton County boy is regaining his strength and starting to walk again after being shot earlier this year. On Saturday, people gathered to support him and his family.
At the #TristanStrong fundraiser Saturday at the Walton County Fairgrounds, Tristan Jones blended in with other kids, enjoying live music, walking around and telling jokes. But just a few months ago, things were different.
In early May 2024, Tristan and his family were sleeping in their home when investigators say they were struck by gunfire and Tristan was shot multiple times.
To show support for him and his family’s recovery, community organizations Matrix COC and the Walton County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) held the #TristanStrong fundraiser.
“They did everything for me,” Tristan said. “It’s fun because I get to see everyone. Singers are singing, wrestlers are wrestling, (military) people are doing cool things here, and police officers are here.” This place is amazing. That’s right. I like it. “
The event had a $5 entry fee and included an auction to raise money for Tristan’s ongoing medical expenses and needs.
Tristan’s mother, Yardley, said: “It cost a lot of money, so this is to help with medical expenses, travel expenses and medical supplies.” “Anything helps, and we appreciate and appreciate anything.”
Tristan and his mother Yardley are involved with Walton County CERT. Their fellow CERT volunteers have supported them through this challenge.
“We immediately wanted to help. Bringing food, bringing anything that would help the families, that was our focus,” said Walton County CERT volunteer Paula Mazan. spoke.
Besides wrestling, which is Tristan’s favorite, one of the big highlights was Tristan’s first face-to-face meeting with some of the paramedics who saved his life.
“We were sitting here and watching him walk in. This is one of those games where we originally expected a worse result because of his mobility. It’s a miracle to see him walking today. It’s tough on kids,” said Brandon Bingham, a firefighter and paramedic with Walton County Fire and Rescue.
Tristan said the support has helped him get through everything he’s been through.
“They saved my life,” he said of the paramedics. “And now I — if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have gotten up and walked. If my parents and family hadn’t told me, ‘Get up and walk,’ I wouldn’t be walking today.” Probably. I would probably die or be in a wheelchair for the rest of my life. But they saved me. ”
Tristan’s mother said they are very grateful for all the support they have received.
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office said there have been multiple arrests in connection with the shooting and the investigation is still believed to be ongoing.
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