Myocarditis-Heart Inflammation

On September 1, 2025, a normal afternoon bike ride turned into a life-changing moment for 15-year-old Tristan Lee and his family. Tristan set out in his neighborhood with two friends, but within 100 feet of his house he began to feel unwell. He stepped off his bike and lost consciousness. An ambulance transported him to Children’s of Alabama, where doctors determined he had tested positive for both enterovirus and rhinovirus. These two types of common viral infections affect the respiratory system. Rhinovirus is responsible for the majority of colds, while enterovirus can cause a range of illnesses, including respiratory infections, meningitis, hand, foot, and mouth disease, and rarely, a cardiac disease known as myocarditis.

Tristan was admitted to the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, where he spent three days under close monitoring and a total of six days in the hospital. “The experience was frightening and unexpected, especially for a teenager who lives an active, disciplined lifestyle,” said his grandmother Katherin Norris.

A dedicated athlete, Tristan plays hockey for the Nashville Junior Predators AAA team. He works out with a trainer each week, skates two to three times per week and exercises daily. Before his hospitalization, he was in excellent physical condition and fully committed to his goal of becoming an NHL goalie.

Under the care of Cardiologist F. Bennett Pearce, MD, and his team at Children’s of Alabama, Tristan experienced improvement in his condition, and further recovery was carefully monitored through stress tests, EKGs, echocardiograms, and blood work. After eight weeks, he was cleared to begin light exercise. At three months, he received a full medical release. 

“From there, Tristan spent approximately six weeks gradually increasing his conditioning, rebuilding his strength and endurance step by step until he returned to his pre-illness level of fitness,” added Norris.

Today, Tristan, a 10th grade honor roll student, is back on the ice doing what he loves. He is once again playing competitive hockey and traveling to Indiana, Arizona and Missouri to continue the season with his team. His return was not rushed, but guided by expert medical care and a thoughtful, patient recovery plan.

“Tristan would not be in the condition he is in today without the care and expertise of Children’s of Alabama,” said Norris. “From the Emergency Department to the ICU, the staff was compassionate, responsive and always willing to answer questions and provide reassurance during a difficult time.”

Thanks to their exceptional care, Tristan is back on his journey toward achieving his dream of becoming an NHL goalie, and his family remains deeply grateful for the role Children’s of Alabama played in his recovery.