11-year-old leukemia survivor to meet donor who gave him second chance

MENIFEE, Calif. (KABC) -- Six years ago, Tristen Crouser's dying wish was to go dog-sledding. Too sick to travel, Loma Linda Children's Hospital brought the snow and the sled dogs to him.

"We were told to go home. They didn't believe he would make it until Christmas," Monique Crouser said. "He's a miracle baby."

Now, after a life-saving bone marrow transplant, the 11-year-old is well enough to travel -- all the way to Germany, where his donor Ines Borck lives.

"We always say that I gave Tristen life the first time, and Ines gave him life the second time, because without her, I wouldn't have my son today," Monique Crouser said.

Tristen Crouser and his mother will be leaving for Germany on May 23. Not only will they be able to meet Borck, but they'll also be attending an event raising awareness about the importance of registering to be a donor.

"It's so important, because so many people don't have the opportunity to have a transplant and end up losing their battle," Monique Crouser said.

To donate to the family's trip, visit their GoFundMe website at gofundme.com/tristencrouser.