The First AVM & Aneurysm Awareness Walk for Preston Strong

The very first AVM & Aneurysm Awareness Walk for Preston Strong was a success! I am overwhelmed by the support received over the weekend as we surpassed my walk fundraising goal and received over $1,000 in donations for The Aneurysm and AVM Foundation!

In preparation for the event, I was privileged to speak to my largest audience yet. Here I shared my initiative of Preston Strong and how my Lord Jesus intervened in Preston’s AVM battle. It goes without saying, the opportunity to engage with many from my alma mater in the inspiration and hope that Preston’s journey brings is unmatched.

A inoperable Grade 5 brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM), two aneurysms, and a cyst. And just to keep it interesting, the cyst was so large, it had pushed Preston's brain off-center and was the source of lost mobility.

That was his diagnosis. And that’s my why.

I began preparing to compete in the Miss America Opportunity last fall to utilize the voice it would provide in advocating, educating, and fundraising for AVMs & aneurysms, all while sharing Preston’s story. Hosting an awareness walk has been something I’ve wanted to do for a few years now, and I am so grateful for the support received in making this dream a reality.

AVMs are very rare, occurring in approximately less than 1% of the U.S. population. The cutting-edge research available was a key proponent in shrinking Preston’s AVM to an operable size. Research donations, however, can be difficult to come by, and many rare diseases get left behind. The Aneurysm & AVM Foundation is a beacon of hope for this community as it joins together AVM warriors and their families, all while fundraising for needed research and so much more. This walk to many was a way to support a good cause and every person that attended touched my heart. But to me, this walk was the culmination of every long night, every surgery, every prayer, and the hope that carried us through.

Since this initiative is something we actually lived through, I like to be intentional and strategic about the events I plan. Preston was a sophomore in high school at BMA when his AVM was found. He was told he couldn’t return to school, as he had a bigger obstacle to face. Fighting for his life. Preston’s class and the school immediately got behind him. From organizing care packages and prayer chains, their support was evident. My mom even went to BMA and many from her class have been in my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up with their kids, and they were our second family. Put simply, the core people that rallied behind us when we most needed it had a tie to this school in some way or another.

Thank you to every Preston Strong “walker” this was a success because of you.