Then, at 15 years old, Preston was diagnosed with leukemia. “I was stuck in the hospital for months,” he recalled.
Still, Preston focused on the craft. In the hospital, he watched welding and fabrication videos. And when he was able to return home: “I’d take my chemo, then I’d walk out in the garage, and I’d weld.”
While still going through chemotherapy, Preston learned that his mother also was fighting cancer. “A big portion of my treatments were spent caring for her,” he said, “Because her cancer was a lot more aggressive than mine.” Sadly, Preston’s mom lost her battle in 2019.
After outlasting struggles like these, many people would focus on themselves. Preston focused on others. His interest in welding and fabrication had grown into a passion for off-road motorsports that he wanted to share with kids. Preston is doing that today with his non-profit Off-Road Motorsports Youth Foundation (OMYF).
“They’re going to grow themselves into something much bigger than they ever dreamed of.”
Preston explained that OMYF teaches kids every aspect of off-road motorsports, from MIG welding and TIG welding to marketing, logistics and safety. “Life skills that will help them out in the future — stuff you won’t learn without getting your hands dirty.”
Just as Preston’s mother left an imprint on him, Preston is leaving an imprint on young people. “They’re going to grow themselves into something much bigger than they ever dreamed of.”