Nine-year-old Preston has faced more medical challenges than most do in a lifetime. Born with hydrocephalus, Preston underwent his first brain surgery at just three days old. Doctors said he might never walk or talk and wouldn’t live past age three—but Preston has spent every day proving them wrong.
He’s endured more than 32 surgeries, including multiple brain operations, an ostomy procedure, and ongoing treatment for severe bladder and kidney issues. He lives with a catheter, partial blindness, ADHD, and is on the autism spectrum. His mom lovingly says, “he was basically raised in the hospital.” Preston is heading back for another surgery this September in hopes of improving complications with his ileostomy bag.
Despite all he’s been through, Preston is a firecracker of energy and joy, and there’s one thing that is guaranteed to bring him endless joy: Braves baseball. Preston is absolutely obsessed—he collects bobbleheads (over 100 and counting), hats, and jerseys, and can rattle off every player’s name and stat like a true superfan.
His heroes? Spencer Strider, Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, and Austin Riley—but Strider holds the top spot in his heart.
Preston’s ultimate sports dream is to meet Spencer Strider, hit a ball off a pitch from his sports idol and enjoy a game sitting in the Braves dugout. Just imagining it sends him into a happy dance of excitement. For a child who’s spent more time in operating rooms than playgrounds, this dream is more than a moment—it’s magic, and no one deserves it more than Preston.
