At the Raymond A. Wood Foundation, we’re proud to support brain tumor survivors and their families in their most challenging moments. Today, we’re honored to introduce you to Trenton Lins, the latest recipient of our handheld blood analyzer — a tool that will play a crucial role in helping his family manage his complex medical needs at home.
Trent’s Story:
Trent Lins is 27 years old and has been fighting a courageous battle since he was diagnosed with a craniopharyngioma in January 2013. Despite numerous health challenges stemming from this rare brain tumor — including central hypothyroidism, corticoadrenal insufficiency, hypopituitarism, diabetes insipidus, and more — Trent has never let go of his innate joy, positivity, and love for life.
Affectionately known as the “social butterfly” by his mom, Trent has always had a big heart. He grew up on the shores of Emerald Isle, North Carolina, where he surfed and bodyboarded with his parents and sister, Kialee. He was also an avid soccer player and a music lover with an unshakeable appreciation for the outdoors, animals, and people from all walks of life.
After a second surgery in May 2023, Trent’s condition took a dramatic turn for the worse. By October, his memory, mobility, and vision deteriorated rapidly. He has since been hospitalized at Duke University Hospital, where he has remained since February 28, 2025. His medical team believes he is experiencing neurostorming — a complex neurological condition that has left Trent bed-bound and vulnerable.
A Critical Tool for a Critical Need:
One of the most urgent and ongoing challenges in Trent’s care is managing his sodium levels. As his dad shares, “Once the sodium level is going all over the place, it starts a domino effect in the body, and leads to extended hospital stays.” For Trent, who is unable to travel easily due to his condition and lives three hours from Duke, this presents a daily crisis.
That’s why providing Trent and his family with a handheld blood analyzer is so meaningful. With the ability to test sodium levels at home, his care team can respond quickly and make informed decisions — potentially preventing hospitalizations and, most importantly, helping to bring Trent back home.
From the Family:
Trent’s father shared these heartfelt words:
“The handheld blood analyzer is literally going to help us get Trent home. GOD bless everyone involved with all the hard work getting these — on top of caring for your loved ones. A handheld blood analyzer is truly a game changer for anyone going through this. Thank you all at the Raymond A. Wood Foundation.”
Your Impact:
Thanks to the support of donors and partners like you, the Raymond A. Wood Foundation can continue to provide tools like the handheld blood analyzer to families in need. For the Lins family, it means hope. It means a step closer to healing. And it means they don’t have to face this journey alone.
To help more families like Trent’s, visit rawoodfoundation.org and support our mission to improve the lives of survivors of childhood brain tumors.
Support the Sodium Meter Development