Preston’s Story
June 5, 2023 - November 8, 2023 1:36pm (13:36)
Preston was only 5 months old, but he was the heart of our family from the moment he arrived. He was a bright-eyed, happy baby who loved to snuggle and had a way of making everyone smile. His days were filled with laughter, curiosity, and the simple joys of discovering the world around him. His giggles would light up the room, and his tiny fingers would reach out for his favorite toys, or to hold onto us. He had a deep connection with his older brother, and seeing them together brought so much happiness to our hearts. Preston had just started to recognize familiar faces, and his smile could melt away the toughest of days.​
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But that joy was tragically cut short. One day, when Preston was left in the care of a privately hired in-home childcare provider, our worst nightmare became a reality. We had done what we thought were all the right things—interviews, references —yet, something went terribly wrong. Preston’s life was taken by circumstances that could have been prevented if we had known the risks involved in private childcare arrangements.​That day will forever be etched in our memories.
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The moment we were told that Preston was gone was like time stopped. There is no pain greater than losing a child, and no words that can fully capture the devastation we felt. We were left with a million questions, countless “what ifs,” and an overwhelming sense of guilt. How could this have happened to our sweet, innocent baby? Why weren’t we warned about the dangers? Why didn’t we know more?​
The hardest part is knowing that Preston’s life was stolen in a way that should have been avoidable. We trusted a system that didn’t protect him. It wasn’t until it was too late that we learned about the lack of regulation, oversight, and hidden dangers in privately hiring in-home childcare providers. That’s why we started Preston’s Promise—to help other families understand these risks and make safer choices. We want to ensure that no family has to experience the pain of losing a child in such a preventable way.​
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Preston’s short life had a purpose, and it’s one that continues through this foundation. His story isn’t just a reminder of the tragedy we faced, but a call to action. We share his story not to dwell in the pain, but to bring awareness to other families. Preston’s legacy is a promise to protect children, raise awareness, and ensure that no other baby is lost because of the same preventable circumstances. Through this work, we keep his memory alive and honor the immense love and joy he gave us during his brief time on earth.
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
​About Us​​​
We are a family that has faced the unimaginable, and we have come together with a shared purpose: to make sure other families don’t have to experience what we did. My name is Cierra Sweitzer, and alongside my husband, Nick Sweitzer, and our eldest son, Beckham Sweitzer, we have committed ourselves to this mission. The pain of losing Preston will never leave us, but neither will the love we have for him or the drive to honor his memory in a meaningful way.
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Our journey has not been easy, but it has been guided by the belief that our experience can bring about change. We know that no parent should ever have to face the fear and heartbreak that comes with losing a child. Through Preston’s Promise, we are working to create a safer world for children by equipping parents with knowledge, advocating for stronger safety measures, and building a community of support for families navigating childcare decisions.
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We’re just like every other family—we want our children to grow up healthy, happy, and safe. That’s why we’re passionate about this work. We hope that by sharing our story and the lessons we’ve learned, we can spare others from the pain we’ve endured, while honoring Preston’s short but meaningful life. Together, as a family and a community, we believe we can create real, lasting change.
