Meet Preston
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Images Captured by Anelle Richarson Photography
Meet 4 year old Preston. Preston loves cooking, movies, and teasing his little
brother. In 2010, Preston was diagnosed with
Kleefstra Syndrome. His mom, Bretny, felt like someone had run over her chest
with a truck when she finally received the diagnosis. Although she was happy
to finally have a diagnosis, it was very hard to hear about the challenges Preston would have to face.
Kleefstra syndrome affects each patient differently. Main characteristics
include developmental delay, intellectual disability, severely limited or
absent speech, and weak muscle tone. This syndrome has not been acknowledged
for long, so what the future holds for Preston
is a mystery.
Preston’s Mom is always extremely proud when Preston hits a milestone. After four years of waiting,
she was finally able to hear the words, “I love you, Mommy.”
Preston takes great
pleasure in the simple things in life. He is able to pick up any instrument
and make it sound like he knows exactly what he is doing. He has an
extraordinary photographic memory, and charms the ladies by always noticing if
they are wearing a new shirt, have dyed their hair, or have gotten their nails
done.
Although you face many challenges when you have a child with
special needs, Preston’s mom would not
trade him for the world. He brings great joy to her life, and although Preston’s future remains a mystery, they have
learned to live life one day at a time, cross their fingers, and have fun.
Story by Erin Lylyk
