Payton

On March 23rd, our lives changed forever. Payton was airlifted to Miami Children’s Hospital with fluid surrounding her heart and a mass encompassing her chest. Two weeks later, we received the diagnosis — something no family ever expects to hear.

Payton has a complex case of two different types of lymphoma: Hodgkin’s and Diffuse Large B-Cell. It’s rare to have both at the same time, but her doctors are confident they can treat them together, and that’s where this journey began.

With prom, her 18th birthday, and high school graduation just weeks away, Payton was determined not to miss a thing. After her first round of chemo, we were able to go home — and the very next day, she made it to prom! Two days later, we celebrated her 18th birthday. It may not have been the typical celebration, but it was perfect in every way. Now, we’re getting ready for graduation.

Payton has always been a warrior. She thrives on challenges and has proven her strength time and time again. She made it to Regionals with the Jupiter High School girls weightlifting team both her junior and senior years — an incredible accomplishment and an amazing group of girls.

Now, our next challenge is getting through this journey.

Payton loves art, fishing, and reading, and we’re hopeful these passions will help the time pass quickly during treatment. In between her five-day hospital stays, we’ll continue our beach walks and cherish every moment we can spend together.

Through it all, she has been an absolute trooper during what should be one of the happiest times of her life. She is strong, resilient, and inspiring — and as a family, we will get through this together.

#PaytonPower