When Tristan was born in New Hampshire 15 years ago, doctors knew his small size meant he was going to suffer from complications, but they couldn't pinpoint a diagnosis.
"They sat me down and said I need to look at quality of life versus quantity," his mom tells CNN of receiving the heartbreaking news.
Tristan was finally diagnosed with a rare form of dwarfism called mulibrey nanism. The condition led to a number of complications that made his early life difficult.
However, something miraculous happened when Tristan won a trip to Disney World through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. His mom explains that "he really hasn't been sick since [the trip]."
Still, Tristan's small 3'5" frame doesn't make his day-to-day life simple and it certainly doesn't make him perfectly suited to do something like play basketball.
Tristan's size didn't stop him from trying a sport that traditionally favors the vertically blessed. When Tristan walked into the gym on his first day of practice, his coach admits thinking he was "somebody's little brother."
Amazingly, and with the help of Hillsboro-Deering School District's athletic director, Tristan tried out for the team.
"I knew everyone was taller than me," he says. "I was pretty sure that when they got in my face. I wouldn't make my points. But I got used to dribbling the ball and making points.
"I would never give up. I would come out on the court strong."
Adorably, Tristan attributes his positive attitude to his mother, whom he calls his "inspiration."
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