Prep Talk
Dress Down Day in Support of Tristan Mullen Fund Breaks Record
Posted December 2nd, 2014
The spirit of giving resulted in record-breaking support for the Tristan Mullen Fund, raising $3,538 to help fund mitochondrial research at CHOP.The goal for this year’s dress down day at St. Augustine Prep was to match or surpass the 2012 gift of $1,900. This year’s total was an 86% increase.
“We are really grateful to everyone here at St. A’s for their generosity,” said Mr. Robert Mullen, Tristan’s dad and member of the faculty here. “ I know this will benefit many children who have mitochondrial problems.”
Although it is named after him, The Tristan Mullen Fund benefits thousands of children and adults who are battling any form of mitochondrial disease. In spite of Trey’s disabilities, including seizures, cerebral palsy, quadriplegia and an inability to speak, he continues not only to survive, but in his own way, to thrive and give his life meaning.
The dress down day was held before Thanksgiving break and certainly gave a heartwarming start to the Christmas season. In true giving spirit, Mr. Mullen received a most touching handwritten note with a donation for the Tristan fund. It read “I don’t have much money, but this is for the Tristan Mullen Fund.”
In seven years since it was started, the money raised through the Fund and its events such as Tristan’s Run, has raised more than $109,000 for the cause. 100% of funds raised by The Tristan Mullen Fund goes to support the Joseph Stokes Mitochondrial Research Unit at CHOP, from which they hope will lead eventually to a cure.
Below is a letter from the Mullen family in appreciation:
To the students, faculty and families of St. Augustine Prep,
To say that we are overwhelmed by your generosity is an understatement. Tristan’s Run started seven years ago with my brother Chris, as a way to give back while running. Sonny joined the following year, and each subsequent year has seen runners from near and far join our efforts, raising $109K +/- restricted to research for mitochondrial disorders at CHOP. The St. Augustine family has been an integral part of our fight to find a cure for the millions of children fighting this battle in one way or another. More than just a “one and done”, it has become Tristan’s legacy.
This year has been especially significant. Thanks to the tenacity of Tristan and his doctors, he has been part of an experimental drug trial that has resulted in small, but amazing results. This year Tristan went to his Senior Prom, he became an Uncle, he rolled onto the stage at graduation with the help of his friend Scott, he turned 19, and now says his first word. For all of you these may not be a big deal, but in Tristan’s world, he hit a winning home run at the bottom of the ninth inning, and you all have helped make that happen. There are no words to adequately express our gratitude for your generosity.
Tristan’s Run is currently part of the Philadelphia Marathon, but in 2015, it may be coming to a shore town near you. It is because of friends and family that we are able to continue to fight the fight. Hope to see you in 2015!
Bob, Berni, Sonny, Ian, Kelly, Abigail and of course, Tristan Mullen