Peyton's Recovery Fund

Peyton is my 13 year old brave nephew. The week of Thanksgiving 2020 Peyton was sent home from school due to a fever. He had a red rash on his face, neck, chest, and back. My sister was first concern it was Covid. She had him tested which came back negative. The clinic ran other tests and concluded it was viral. They instructed her to take him home and let it run it's course. Little did she or his family know what was to come. Days later, his skin appeared mottled all over his body as if he had poor circulation. Then the pain hit. It got so bad he looked up at his mom and said, "I don't know how much longer I can take this pain". She took him back to the urgent clinic which sent them to the ER and, again, they were told it is viral, go home, and let it run it's course. After numerous trips to urgent clinics and ER trips my sister had enough. By this time, it was close to Christmas. She took him to his pediatrician who was aware of his condition. His pediatrician ran blood work and realized something was very wrong. They had him admitted into the hospital and began running multiple tests which included a spinal tap and more blood work. By this time, he had lost strength in his arms and legs. He was unable dress himself or even take a bath on his own; things we take for granted. After they reviewed the results, they told my sister he needed to be transferred to Shreveport Children's Hospital. My nephew was sent by ambulance and spent 7 days there. Every kind of test you can image was ran on him. They gave him 3 days of 1000mg of steroids each day. Test results showed high levels of inflammation in his whole body. They tested for every illness they could think of. He was allowed to go home for Christmas but they had him scheduled for a muscle biopsy afterward. The results from the biopsy caused him to be readmitted back into the Shreveport Children's Hospital. They started him on Methotrexate, another 3 days of 1000mg of steroids, and 2 IVIG treatments (Immune Globulin Intravenous); liquid Gold they called it. My nephew was diagnosed with Dermatomyositis, a rare inflammatory disease that affects the muscles and causes a distinctive skin rash. There is no cure only treating the symptoms and help try to regain muscle strength and function. This condition effects the muscles in your body which could affect your ability to swallow or even breath. Peyton loves to play football, basketball, hunting, and fishing.  But since his illness he has been unable to enjoy those things. My nephew and family have no idea what the future holds but there is one thing they know... God is in Control. Peyton's faith is in the Lord. Through all the pain, tests, travel, and diagnosis he has remained faithful to the Lord. Every time I see him he has a smile on his face. I'll ask him about his pain and he'll say it is still there and he is tired but that smile is still there. My nephew has a long road ahead of him. He asks for prayers for his recovery. The bills are also adding up. More tests are being scheduled which will include more travel, medications, and expenses. Peyton has insurance but it only covers so much. My sister and family feel guilty for asking for donations but I explained to her. As believers in Christ, we are supposed to share our burdens with one another; not just the joyous times. If we can all help a little, it will help her, his Dad and family a lot. If you are unable to give financially, they covet your prayers.