Tripp Tough on Game Night

Facing many unexpected challenges throughout his young life, Tripp Stratton has become an inspiration to his community and to Derby High School (DHS) where he is a sophomore. Their outpouring of love and show of support lifts the family and Tripp through trials and travels to New York City where he receives most of his cancer treatments. 

On September 27 (the day before Tripp and his twin sister, Trinity’s, 17th birthday) beneath the Friday night lights, Panthers showed out in purple and gold to stand behind Tripp and to raise awareness and funds to fight childhood cancer as well as help Tripp’s family. His mother Ashle Burnett says: “You never want anyone you love, especially your child, to face the cruelty that is cancer. But if it is the fight they must face, you can only hope that it is done with this many people in their corner.”

Tripp’s battle with cancer began when he was only two–and-a-half years old with a diagnosis of Stage IV Neuroblastoma, a cancer of the sympathetic nervous system. Within the next ten years he relapsed four times. But after being clear for the past nine years of his life, Tripp’s recent relapse was a complete surprise. After almost a decade of clear scans, it’s uncommon for this cancer to return; so Tripp is finding himself in uncharted territory. Yet Tripp is responding well to treatment; he and his family continue to be very hopeful about the future.

‘I feel happy and loved by Derby High School. I’m glad my story is bringing attention to other kids like me going through treatment.’ — Tripp Stratton

The students and staff of Derby High School have rallied around Tripp in a number of ways, intentionally honoring the amazing, positive person he is. Tripp’s neighbor, DHS senior Maddie Johnson, helped organize efforts that made the late September football game — specifically the student section — such a show of support for Tripp and other young people battling cancer. They even created a cutout of Tripp to be among them that night. “He’s been through so much, and I just feel like it would help him a lot to see that kids understand and are supporting him every step of the way …. I want people to see how strong a person he is,” says Maddie.

That night community members wore purple and gold (symbolic of childhood cancer); many also sported Tripp Tough t-shirts and bracelets, as well as ribbons, in those colors, in support of him and his tremendous battle. Spearheading awareness, tennis coach Kristen Regier has been instrumental in leading the efforts as has Kathleen O’Brien, HOSA sponsor. More than $3,000 was raised that night for the Ronald McDonald House in honor of Tripp and another Derby student receiving treatment for the same cancer. 

The Facebook page called “Tripp’s Story” highlights many beautiful moments from that evening and shares his story and progress. Tripp is encouraged by the school and the community’s outreach and uplifting efforts. Tripp revels in that support. “I feel happy and know I am being loved by Derby High School. I’m glad that my story is bringing attention to other kids like me going through treatment, and I hope the awareness continues every September.” Touched by what has become an enthusiast community movement enveloping her son, Ashle can see that other people are deeply moved by Tripp, her “positive, optimistic, happy, faith-filled, life-loving kid.”