Teenage hockey player facing off against leukemia
Community rallying around Jordan Preston, who was airlifted to Hospital For Sick Children with sudden symptoms
Jordan Preston vows he’ll get back to well-wishers when he has the strength.
The 15-year-old’s world was turned upside down last Thursday. Shortly after entering Peterborough Regional Health Centre, he was in an air ambulance to Toronto’s Hospital For Sick Children.
The headaches, fatigue and coldlike symptoms he was experiencing turned out to be the rare T-ALL T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
His mother, Monica Preston, said his vitals were so poor PRHC doctors were shocked he walked in under his own power.
It didn’t take long for word to spread to his Adam Scott Collegiate schoolmates, his Peterborough Hockey Association U16 teammates, his Magwood’s Martial Arts classmates and his parents’ Ashley and Monica Preston’s co-workers.
Dr. Rachel Bentley and registered acupuncturist Heather Kenny, co-workers with Monica who is officer administrator at Shining Waters Chiropractic Clinic, set up a GoFundMe campaign that raised $8,000 in the first 36 hours.
As of Wednesday afternoon 134 donors had raised $13,420 toward a $25,000 goal.
The funds will assist the family with travel costs and lost time at work as Jordan is expected to spend a month at Sick Kids followed by four to six weeks of outpatient care every other day.
“We’re just blown away,” Monica said. “We can’t believe it, the number of people who have reached out and come forward. I don’t even have words. Nobody ever wants to go through this but this kind of support is incredible.”
Jordan began treatment immediately and is fatigued, she said. He’s tried to reply to some messages on his phone but it’s a struggle to muster the strength.
He was not up to an interview but dictated the following message to his mother.
“It’s really amazing how many people have sent messages to just get in touch and encourage me in fighting this,” Jordan said.
“There are some people I haven’t seen or heard from in quite a while because we go to different schools or play on different teams,” he added.
“I was really scared when they first told me I had leukemia. I really didn’t know what to think. All these messages made me smile. I feel bad for not getting back to everyone yet. I will try when I feel better and can do a little more,” he said.
“When my mom told me about the fundraising page and we looked at it, I was overwhelmed. So many people we know. So many of my friends and even lots of people I don’t know have donated to help my family deal with all of this. I want to thank everyone so much for helping us out. I know it’s going to be tough but I know I’m going to beat this and I’m grateful to have so many amazing people on my side.”
Monica said her son loves all sports but particularly hockey and is a big Petes and Toronto Maple Leafs fan. He recently earned a blue belt in martial arts and mentors younger students.
Monica feels good about his care. “Considering the boy we took into emergency on Thursday and the boy I’m looking at today, we’re so lucky,” she said.
“He’s got a long road ahead but the numbers are showing what we want. He’s tolerating things really well. He has a unique form of this and it’s going to be a bit of a different story for him but we’re going to beat this.”
She’s grateful for co-workers’ support. “We know money will not solve Jordie’s health-care challenges,” said Kenny. “Money will not stop the worry.
“But supporting his family during this time, and allowing them to worry about one less thing, is the best gift we can offer.”
To donate, visit ca.gofundme.com and search Jordan Preston.