Preston Pipkins’ room speaks volumes about his unwavering support for the Dallas Mavericks. The walls adorned with autographed photos of Luka Doncic and Dirk Nowitzki and a ball signed by Kyrie Irving are more than just memorabilia; they are symbols of hope and resilience for the 14-year-old cancer warrior.
Meeting Mavericks Stars: A Dream Come True
“We have Luka, Kyrie. Our team is very fun to watch,” Preston exclaims, his enthusiasm for the Dallas Mavericks shining brightly. Unlike most fans, Preston has had personal interactions with these basketball stars, experiences that provide him with a firm foothold during his challenging journey.
“It was just surprising. I mean, we didn’t expect it to be anything like that,” he recalls. “So it was scary, but we got over it.”
The Battle Begins: Diagnosing the Unthinkable
Preston’s battle began when he and his family fell ill. While his father, Javaunte Pipkins, his mother, Rachael, and younger brother Cameron recovered, Preston’s health continued to decline. Persistent fatigue, chest discomfort, and a loss of appetite prompted a visit to Children’s Health, where doctors delivered shocking news: Preston had Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).
“Shock of the century,” Rachael Pipkins remembers. “You don’t ever expect to hear that your child has cancer.”
Despite initial disbelief, the reality of Preston’s condition set in. He embarked on a 178-day hospital stay, undergoing four rounds of chemotherapy that proved insufficient to combat the aggressive cancer.
The Search for a Life-Saving Match
A bone marrow transplant became the next crucial step. To prepare, Preston required additional chemotherapy and a suitable donor, someone who matched his human leukocyte antigens. The search was daunting due to the rarity of biracial donors, comprising only nine percent of the total donor pool.
“And we did not anticipate that the doctors would come and tell us that there’s no one on this planet that has your child’s DNA that is a registered donor,” Rachael recounts.
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A Brother’s Lifesaving Gift
Miraculously, Preston’s younger brother Cameron was tested and found to be a perfect match. The 42-year-old mother of two recalls the emotional moment.
“He didn’t want any other way for it to be than for him to save his brother’s life,” she says.
The transplant took place on February 14, 2023, coinciding with National Donor Day, adding emotional weight to an already challenging experience.
A Maverick’s Support: Dirk Nowitzki’s Visit
During his hospital stay, Preston received an unexpected visit from Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki. The towering athlete spent an hour with Preston, gifting him an indoor hoop for his hospital room door.
“That was crazy. He’s so tall. And he’s super nice. He’s like — he just seems like a regular person once you meet him,” Preston shares.
Becoming a Maverick: Make-A-Wish Magic
Preston’s journey took another exciting turn through Make-A-Wish, allowing him to become a Maverick for a day. His dream scenario involved signing a contract handed by Mark Cuban and a full announcement at the American Airlines Center.
Preston enjoyed a suite dining experience and attended a game against the Golden State Warriors. He met honorary teammates Derrick Jones Jr., Josh Green, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Dereck Lively, collecting pictures, videos, and autographed merchandise.
A True Fan’s Perspective
While awaiting opportunities to meet Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, Preston remains glued to the NBA Finals, hoping for more defense, offensive rebounds, and focus from his beloved Mavericks.
The phrase “beating the odds” resonates deeply with Preston, who sees it as a testament to perseverance.
“It just means to power through it and think of what’s at the end and not what you’re going through,” he concludes.
Preston Pipkins’ journey with the Dallas Mavericks is a testament to the power of hope, resilience, and the extraordinary support of a sports community. His story continues to inspire as he navigates the challenges of cancer with unwavering determination and the spirit of a true Maverick.