Preston's Journey – A Mother's Love, A Family's Strength, and Time That Matters Most ❤️ With permission
Some journeys are never supposed to happen, and no family should ever have to face the heartbreak of watching a child fight for his life. This is Preston's story, and the story of a family whose world has been turned upside down.
I am creating this fundraiser to help support Preston and his mom as they navigate what is now the most difficult chapter of their lives.
Preston's journey began when he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer in March 2025. What followed was a journey no child should ever have to experience. His mom put her life on hold to be by his side. Their world became hospital rooms, medical appointments, treatments, uncertainty, and countless trips away from home.
Their journey took them to CHEO in Ottawa, where Preston underwent extensive treatment, including 22 weeks of chemotherapy. During this time, they stayed at Ronald McDonald House, which provided some comfort and support while they were so far away from home. When renovations meant they could no longer stay there, they found themselves in a small motel room, continuing to face each day together.
Preston endured surgery, including an incredibly lengthy operation of approximately 12 hours, to remove the cancerous bone and reconstruct his arm. Through chemotherapy, surgery, recovery, and everything in between, this young boy continued to show strength beyond his years.
His family held onto hope. They hoped the hardest days were behind them. They hoped life could slowly return to something resembling normal.
But cancer had other plans...
Follow-up scans revealed cancerous nodules in Preston's lungs. What was initially a small number became more concerning with each scan. As of now, Preston has 11 nodules in his lungs, and every single one has continued to grow.
In August 2026, his family received news that no parent should ever have to hear. Doctors gave Preston an estimated prognosis of six months to one year.
There are simply no words for what it feels like to hear that your child's time may be limited.
The focus has now shifted. There are no words that can adequately describe the heartbreak, fear, and uncertainty that come with facing this reality. But one thing remains certain: Preston deserves every opportunity to enjoy life, make memories, feel loved, and spend precious time surrounded by the people who mean the most to him.
Throughout this journey, Preston's mom has made countless sacrifices. While she was in Ottawa caring for Preston during his cancer treatment, she experienced another heartbreaking loss. In May 2025, her own mother passed away, and she was unable to be by her side during those final moments because she was in Ottawa with Preston.
Losing a parent is heartbreaking, but not being able to be there when your own mother passes away is a pain that is difficult to put into words. She was where she needed to be for her son, but it meant missing precious moments with someone she loved dearly.
This experience has made one thing even more meaningful: time together is the most precious gift we have, and once it is gone, we can never get it back.
Now, more than ever, Preston's mom wants to make sure she can be present for every moment she has with her son. She doesn't want to look back and wish she had spent less time worrying about work and finances and more time simply being his mom.
WHY WE ARE ASKING FOR HELP
Preston's mom has spent so much of this journey balancing work, financial responsibilities, hospital stays, travel, and being the mother her son needs.
Now, more than ever, she needs to be able to put work aside and put Preston first.
There is no exact date set for when she will be leaving work, but she knows that the time is approaching when she will need to step away from her job to be there for Preston full-time. She wants to be financially prepared for that transition rather than having to make that decision suddenly while already dealing with the emotional challenges of Preston's journey.
The funds raised through this campaign will help provide financial support so she can take time away from work to be with Preston every step of his journey. This support will help with everyday living expenses, household bills, travel, appointments, and the financial responsibilities that don't disappear when a family is facing something this devastating.
Most importantly, it will help give his mom something that money cannot buy: the ability to be there.
To hold his hand through difficult days. To attend every appointment. To make memories together. To say yes to special moments without worrying about missing work or how the bills will be paid.
No mother should have to choose between earning an income and being beside her child during the time they have together.
A LITTLE HELP CAN MAKE A LIFETIME OF DIFFERENCE
We know times are difficult for many families, and we understand that not everyone is in a position to donate. But if you are able to contribute, any amount, no matter how small, will make a difference.
If you cannot donate, sharing Preston's story with your friends, family, and community would mean just as much.
We are hoping to surround Preston and his mom with love, kindness, and support during a time when they need it most.
This is not about giving up hope. It is about making sure that whatever time lies ahead, Preston's mom can spend it where she belongs — right beside her son.
Let's help take some of the financial weight off this family's shoulders so they can focus on what truly matters.
Preston’s mother Candace will use the funds to pay for everyday expenses while she is off work. Caring for and spending those precious moments with him, something money can’t buy but can give them quality time together.
Time together. Love. Family. Memories that will last forever.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for reading Preston's story, for sharing it, for donating, and for standing beside this family.
Every act of kindness matters more than you will ever know.
With gratitude and love,
Gabrielle ❤️
