Help Payton Recover from a Severe Brain Injury

On August 18, 2021, our 15 year old niece, Payton, was driving the family van to a church event. Her mom and 4 younger brothers were with her when they were hit by another vehicle. Payton took much of the force of the collision, and was unconscious and unresponsive. After being airlifted to the local children’s hospital, and hours of doctors working on her, she was finally considered in stable condition. During her 8 day stay in the ICU, she showed just how strong and determined she is. Even though she has a Grade 3 Deep Brain Injury, she was able to progress well enough to be transferred to the rehabilitation hospital, where she is now.

She is still mostly nonverbal and is starting the path to relearn simple things. Although she is making great strides and baffling the doctors and therapists at every turn, Payton still has a very long way to go in this fight. The doctors are saying it will take months to years for her to find and return to the new normal. We remain hopeful and confident she will continue to progress and confound her doctors with her recovery, but we also know this is going to be a costly journey: emotionally, physically, and financially.

Payton loves people. She has always given of herself for others, and was taught to do that by her parents, Sadie and Trevor. They have a large network of family and friends who have been cloaking them with their prayers and helping with some of their immediate needs: food, coffee, childcare for the 4 boys, and homecare. Their “village” has been there for them in their time of great need, and for that they are humbly grateful. While these things help in the immediate needs, this years' long journey is going to be costly and insurance will not cover it all. Numerous people have reached out looking for ways to help support this family, which is why we decided to start a GoFundMe for them.

During the last few weeks, Trevor and Sadie have held strong to their faith in an all-powerful, all-healing God, who has shown His presence in so many ways since this began. There are two verses that have held special meaning during this time.

“You are good and do good; teach me Your statues.” - Psalm 119:68

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11

We ask that even if you are not able to give financially, that you would lift this precious girl we love and her family in prayer. She is such a feisty and determined young woman, and we know although this journey is going to be difficult and long, she will persevere and come out stronger in the end.

Thank you,

Christian Patterson & Jasmine Woods (Trevor’s brother and sister)