Trenton was a compassionate, loving, and empathetic 7-year-old who was diagnosed with DIPG, a fast-growing and highly aggressive brain tumor, at the age of 6. Trenton could sense when someone was having a rough day and would embrace them with one of the deepest of hugs, which he believed could cure all that ailed you. He was a Pokémon and Pokémon Go fanatic, and he loved riding his bicycle, going for walks, looking for bugs, playing catch, fishing, and going camping. He had a great passion for art; be it drawing, coloring, or crafting, he loved it all. His favorite Halloween costume was the Ironman costume his dad made for him from scratch in 2018; Trenton loved the costume so much that he even kept the helmet, which his dad still has to this day. Trenton was intelligent and wise beyond that of most adults. He had a way of looking at the world that was so beautiful, and he loved making others laugh with his hilarious sense of humor.

The first symptom Trenton’s parents noticed was a head tilt when he spoke. They assumed he was kidding around but very quickly realized that something was wrong. Following an MRI, Trenton was diagnosed with DIPG. After his diagnosis, it did not take long for some of his favorite activities to become unachievable. Riding his bike, playing catch, and fishing were the first to go and, within 6 months, he was unable to play his video games. Dealing with his treatment protocol and going from being an independent child to needing help with the basics of everyday life was very frustrating for Trenton. Despite this, he stayed in high spirits and displayed a level of strength that is unimaginable.

Trenton and his family spent their remaining time together creating as many happy memories as they possibly could. Even while he was recovering from brain surgery, Trenton was already making memories and enjoying life’s simple beauties like the sun painting the sky as it dipped out of sight. And while Trenton was unable to participate in his last Halloween with his family, they were able to celebrate the holiday early at Give Kids the World in Florida and create lasting family memories.

Trenton valiantly battled for 7 months before peacefully passing away on January 10, 2020. The impact Trenton left behind will never be forgotten. He will continue to be a role model and bright light to all who knew him.

"Trenton dreamt of growing up and having a career that allowed him to change the world and help people everywhere. Although Trenton has earned his wings, his dream is still alive and thriving today because every donation made in his honor is put towards helping children have a chance at life, a chance at hope, a chance to be someone great and who knows, maybe change the world." - The O'Brien Family 

Thank you for choosing to donate to The Cure Starts Now Foundation. 100% of this donation, after credit card processing fees, goes directly towards research to find the homerun cure for cancer starting with pediatric brain cancer research.

If you would like to make a donation by mail please send a check to:  The Cure Starts Now Foundation; 10280 Chester Road; Cincinnati, OH 45215 and put the child's name in the memo.

The family receives notification of all donations made to this tribute fund automatically.