KCRO Foundation

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Tristen Ballinger—a remarkable young man who embodied passion, resilience, and an unyielding love for cars full of courage, passion, and an indomitable spirit that has left an everlasting impact on our lives.

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At the age of 17, Tristen Ballinger was like any other vibrant young man—earning his driver's license, attending school, and fostering his love for cars and racing through his job at Thunder Valley Raceway Park in Noble. His enthusiasm for the automotive world led him to enroll in the Automotive Service program at Moore Norman Technology Center (MNTC) during his sophomore year of high school. His dream materialized in the form of a 1969 Chevy Nova, lovingly named "Black Thunder," a vehicle he not only raced but meticulously repaired and cherished.

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In June 2017, Tristen's journey took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). This rare genetic condition posed a severe threat to his future, and the only potential remedy was a stem-cell transplant. Devastated by the news, Tristen's family, friends, and supporters rallied around him, embodying the #KeepCalmAndRaceOn (KCRO) spirit that became their guiding principle. Despite the challenges that followed, Tristen's love for cars endured. His graduation from high school, even in the face of adversity, symbolized a triumph of spirit. As the disease progressed, and mobility became limited, Tristen's passion for automotive excellence persisted, evidenced by his unwavering dedication to "Black Thunder."

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After months in the hospital and with no other treatment options available, we made the heartfelt decision to bring Tristen home under hospice care. On August 13th, 2018, surrounded by the familiar embrace of his family and the comforting presence of his beloved pets, Tristen passed away. He has fought the good fight and finished the race, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire. 

In Tristen's memory, we established the "Tristen Ballinger KCRO Scholarship" at Moore Norman Technology Center for students in the Automotive Service program—a tribute to his enduring passion.