Preston Henderson Benefit Dancer Kicking Cancer

Well, there’s no great way to go about this but here we are. Everyone hates these, but sometimes it’s a necessity. This is one of those times. See, I have a family that is near and dear to my heart. I have known them for almost 10 years. Preston Henderson was just 7 years old when I met him. He’s always been a kid of amazing talent and his star has only shined brighter as he’s got older. A true triple threat; acting, dancing, and singing (or at least he’s working on it. Haha). Dancing is how I’m lucky enough to know him and his family. Gretchen, Preston’s mom, is a dear friend and a dance teacher and choreographer to the competition team at our studio. Preston’s a part of a studio and dance team who are like family, our dance family. They are the family we choose and one of our family members needs our help.

Unfortunately, Preston and his family got some of the most devastating news a family could get. On October 5th, after a couple weeks of headaches, Preston was diagnosed with a brain tumor. After being rushed to the pediatric intensive care unit at Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital he underwent a successful craniotomy on October 6th. Amazingly he was able to go home on October 11th and is showing no neurological deficiencies after the surgery. Preston is such a strong and brave kid and has kept the most positive outlook during this time, but his fight isn’t over. He and his family have a long journey ahead of them. A journey of healing, while Preston needs to undergo treatments. His team at Maine Children’s Cancer Program will be working hard with him to help treat his high grade tumor, which will most likely need some combination of radiation and chemotherapy. They are still waiting for pathology from the Mayo Clinic to help narrow exactly what that treatment will be.

So those are the tough facts for a 16 year old. The tough reality that the Henderson family is facing together. Preston and his family are optimistic and believe in the power of prayer and positivity! This is where we come in! The Henderson family would not ask, they are private people, so I am asking. I am asking on behalf of an amazing support system and dance family that the Henderson family have. I am asking for help. Help to get this family through the unimaginable. Help so they don’t need to worry about anything but kicking this tumor’s butt! Help to let them focus on being positive and optimistic and healing. Help so they can be as a family and support each other as they fight together. Fighting to keep this amazing talent and joy of a person back on the stage to shine like the star he is!

Preston, we all love you! You are truly a dancer kicking cancer and you have all of our support!

#oneminuteatatime #dancerkickingcancer #prayersforpreston #prestostrong