Our Warriors Who Inspire Us

Story

Payton was 8-years-old when she was diagnosed with DIPG, a highly aggressive and inoperable form of brain cancer. She was a kind and gentle child. She always abided by the rules and did what she was told. She was very organized and knew where she put everything. She enjoyed singing and playing her guitar at church. She loved her little sister, Avery, and her family with her whole heart, and it showed.

Following a family vacation to Texas, Payton’s parents began to notice that she was always looking down to focus and see. Payton told her mom she was doing that because she was experiencing double vision. Payton was taken to an eye doctor who recommended that she get an MRI to make sure everything was okay behind her eyes. Within two days after the MRI, it was discovered that Payton had a mass in her brain. Payton’s MRI images were forwarded to Riley Children's Hospital, where on July 11, a team of doctors diagnosed her with DIPG and estimated that she had 9-13 months to live. Payton’s family was in utter shock. Before this, she had always been healthy except for her asthma. The doctors told her family that the only option to help with this type of tumor was to do 30 rounds of radiation so her parents sent her images off to many big hospitals, but only Cincinnati called them back.

After Payton completed 30 rounds of radiation, her family decided it would be best for Payton to live as normal of a life as possible. Payton went back to school all day, and she went to dance class two times a week and girl scouts. She loved being a girl scout and doing fun activities with them, along with the crafts and giving to others in need.

Payton remained strong during her battle. She did not once complain about her treatment protocol or ask, “Why me?” She took on this fight with a faith that was beyond belief and finished her courageous battle on April 21, 2021. Immediately after her passing, a deep sense of loss came over the hearts of her loved ones as well as the realization that Payton is free and whole again in Heaven.

DIPG is a horrific disease that is considerably underfunded, leaving families without hope. It's like a punch to the gut to families when they're told that there's no cure or effective treatment beyond experimental and palliative care options that only serve to buy them more time with their child. An increase in research funding is the only way to make a true difference and give our brave warriors a better chance of survival.

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