Sunday, December 4, 2011

A group of fourth-graders from Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church spent part of Sunday morning doing chores for their classmate and friend, nine-year-old Preston Deschaine.

"Almost like the whole entire Catholic school, everybody's pretty much just praying for him," said nine-year-old Brecken Phipps, who shares a birthday with Preston.

The group has not only been praying for Preston, they've been working hard to earn money for their friend.

"It's for our friend Preston. We need as much money as possible. We're doing this for him," said Brecken.

For the past three weeks, the fourth-graders at Blessed Sacrament have been doing "Chores 4 Preston." The group has raised nearly $900 by doing chores like raking leaves, walking pets, and babysitting.

Every penny they earn, they have been glad to give to Preston and his family. In October, the Deschaine family temporarily moved to Denver for Preston's second heart transplant.

Preston had his first heart transplant when he was four-months-old and received his second heart transplant on Nov. 27th.

"It very easily could've been my son. It could've been any one of these kids. I think that's what really hits these moms and dad, and that's why everybody wants to chip in and help," said Brecken's mother, Jenny Phipps.

And, the kids continue fundraising.

They are now selling "Pray 4 Preston" wristbands for $5, and have raised nearly $1,200. The parents said Preston is teaching their kids a priceless lesson.

"It's almost impossible to teach a child empathy and that's a gift that Preston has given these children," said Jenny.

And the children said they simply want their friend, nicknamed Presto, healthy and back in Kansas.

Together they said,"We miss you, Presto."

To help with the children's fundraiser, you can contact Jenny Phipps at Blessed Sacrament Catholic School at (316) 684-3752 and jphipps@blessedsacramentwichita.com.