Preston Meyer of Estevan battled Wilm's Tumor from age 4 until he passed away at age 10 on May 28, 2004. In addition to years of treatments in Regina, he had 2 stem cell transplants in Calgary.
In his memory, his family has carried on with Preston's Road Race (a 5 km fun run/walk) in Regina on the last Saturday in May every year. 100% of the the pledge money is distributed to families who face medical and/or travel expenses. This year's race is tomorrow.
This year's recipients were to be fellow clinic patients Ava and Kyren (two of the most adorable rug rats you will ever meet!)
However, Kyren's treatment has progressed very well and is nearing completion, and his parents asked to substitute two others in place of Kyren: Hailey (a very young leukemia patient from Moose Jaw - also completely adorable) and Thomas (yes, our Thomas). Try as we might to talk them out of it, they just wouldn't take no for an answer.
We feel we are more fortunate than many others in similar situations, and are reluctant to accept this honour. It's been very weird being able only to receive over this past year. To manage that, we're planning to re-gift any funds that may exceed our needs. We've asked the Meyers to primarily support Ava and Hailey's families, because we don't want to hog all the good karma!
Preston's parents' request in return is this: "tell your friends and family about Preston's Road Race so we can continue to pay it forward and help other families make it through a difficult time."
This family has chosen to stay affiliated with the cancer world, hoping to make things better for those on the same difficult path they traveled. I think that's how lots of people cope - if we can help in any way to make the journey easier for other families, it helps to give our experience a wider meaning and value.
If you click on the link on the left, you'll find pledge forms and on them, contact information to reach the organizers - Preston's parents. Please consider this request in honour of Ava and Hailey.... and Preston.
Bless you all,
Thomas' Mom
