Help Preston Beat Liver Disease

Preston Riley is a happy, spunky 14-year-old, a brother to four siblings and one of the best dub step dancers you'll ever meet!  He was living a normal life until strange symptoms began to manifest.  Preston had swellings in his legs appear, along with extreme fatigue.  When he was seen by a family doctor, his white cell counts were low, and other signs of organ distress were found.  


Preston was taken to Primary Children's Hospital and had to be seen by a wide variety of doctors who were perplexed by his symptoms.  Preston was given a bone biopsy and other tests, some painful.  Many specialists were called in to analyze the situation.  After nearly a year of doctor visits, blood work, surgery, and MRIs, Preston was finally diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis--a disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the normal components, or cells, of the liver and causes inflammation and liver damage.  Autoimmune hepatitis is a serious condition that leads to cirrhosis and liver failure. Cirrhosis occurs when scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue and blocks the normal flow of blood through the liver. Liver failure occurs when the liver stops working properly.  Cirrhosis is the 12th leading cause of death by disease.

Depite his illness, Preston keeps a positive outlook and a smile on his face!


However, the medical bills have taken a huge toll on Preston's family.  His parents are faced with losing their home and the prospect of bankruptcy.  


The ongoing treatments for Preston are lifelong and extremely expensive.  Imagine if suddenly your child's health, quality of life, and your family's financial future were so dire you didn't know what to hope for anymore.  Please take a moment to consider making a small donation to help Preston's family.  We know times are tough but we would be incredibly grateful for your kindness and generosity to help a family in need.