My Published Article In The Southern Tiding's

“God gives His toughest battles to His strongest soldiers.” That’s what they told me as I held my brother’s hand in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, LA. I had heard that phrase so many times that I now found myself resenting it because I, in fact, did not feel strong as I watched my world crumble around me.

In January of 2018, my little brother Preston, a current BMA sophomore, was diagnosed with a Grade 5 inoperable brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM), two aneurysms, and a cyst so large it had pushed his brain off-center. In layman’s terms, it was a death sentence. The AVM, which was referred to as the beast, was too large to remove and Preston survive. In the unlikely case he did survive, the entire left side of Preston’s body would be paralyzed along with other deficits. He was 16.

My mother’s prayer throughout Preston’s journey was that the doctor’s work be done before they ever performed a surgery or procedure. Prayer is why my family is still whole today. Through divine intervention, the Grade 5 inoperable AVM was shrunk to a Grade 4 through multiple angiogram/embolization, giving Preston his first chance at life. Though the surgery necessary still had a great fatality risk, Preston made the decision to fight for his life. 10-hours under the knife, the entire right frontal lobe of Preston’s brain was removed, which contained the AVM. By the grace of God, 9 days after that surgery Preston walked out of Ochsner Medical Center with zero deficits and a future.

I believe that God’s timing is perfect. Ever since my brother’s diagnosis, I have had a clear notion that I want to advocate, educate, and fundraise for AVM and aneurysm research while helping other families like mine. That time is now as I didn’t realize that I also needed time for myself to heal after his last surgery. I will compete for the title of Miss Mississippi this June as Miss Greenville to promote my social impact initiative, Preston Strong.

I have strategically partnered and serve as an Ambassador for The Aneurysm and AVM Foundation as well as Mississippi Blood Services to take my efforts with Preston Strong to the next level. Hosting an awareness walk has been a goal I have long wanted to accomplish, and it recently became a reality.

In my planning and preparation, I knew that the walk should take place at Bass Memorial Academy as many from that community were there for my family during Preston’s journey. I am ecstatic to announce that the very first AVM & Aneurysm Awareness Walk for Preston Strong was a success as our efforts raised over $1,000 for The Aneurysm and AVM Foundation to fund research. The support received overwhelms me and still to this day I find myself in awe of the great works our Savior has performed in Preston’s journey, one he still fights to this day.

I share Preston’s story because I believe it is a source of hope and inspiration. Though I nor any other does not possess why bad things happen to good people I choose to put my faith in Jesus and His perfect plan. Mark 11:24, the verse that came to my mother and me at different times of need in Preston’s journey and is now the backbone of Preston Strong.

“Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

Angel Gail Lang

Miss Greenville 2022