Preslie is a 4-year-old with enough spunk to spare. She may be little, but she’s already proved to be very smart for her age. Preslie’s family is in awe of how she remains their energetic little girl while facing such a difficult diagnosis.

In March 2020, 2-year-old Preslie suddenly began limping. Her parents suspected that it was only a leg injury, but something else wasn’t right. They took her to get X-rays, but the images indicated that she was perfectly healthy. Her family was skeptical, and a few weeks later, the limp persisted. Preslie’s mom, Nikki, noticed bruising and decided to take her daughter to get bloodwork. Her platelet levels came back extremely low, and finally, they knew why. Preslie had acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Shortly after receiving her diagnosis, it was time to begin treatment. Preslie followed the standard protocol for high-risk leukemia at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. Traveling from Michigan amidst the pandemic was no easy task, but she persevered.

In the future, her family wants nothing more than to see Preslie grow up to become the beautiful, healthy girl she was born to be. They dream of her living a long and more normal life after cancer. Throughout treatment, Preslie’s bravery has been an inspiration to them all. Every day she reminds her family of all the reasons they have to be grateful.

Nikki knows that any cancer journey is a long and difficult one. She would like families facing a similar diagnosis to know there will be many ups and downs, but you will get through this. Preslie’s parents believe that Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) is an amazing resource for families in need of support. With a four-and-a-half-hour drive to and from the hospital for each treatment, the gas card ALSF supplied them with acted as a relief. During this time, Nikki says, “The last thing you ever want to worry about is money for gas, food and bills.”

While Preslie continues to fight through treatment, her family believes that together they can get through anything.

Information provided by Nikki, Preslie's mom

Udpated July 2021