Payton's Purpose

Hello everyone and thank you for joining us in this fight to save my daughter's life. My name is Da'Terria Connor and I have created this fundraiser on behalf of my daughter, Payton Connor. On June 27,2024 I received the worst news ever when my daughter was diagnosed with cancer. As a mom my heart was crushed I couldn't help but to think how or why my child, my one and ONLY child has cancer. My world has been completely turned upside down from that moment. Through the sleepless nights and countless tears it was time to take action and FIGHT! Payton was then admitted into the hospital where she had countless labs, CT scans, MRI's, and "pokey's" than I've ever experienced in my life, but through it all my girl has been the strongest ever.

After hours and hours waiting for the result the doctors and nurses came in to confirm the diagnosis and put a name on the specific type of cancer. I could tell in their faces this was going to be tough, as I have worked in the medical field and had the hard task of delivering difficult news myself. This time was much different. My child is the one being diagnosed and the pain I felt receiving the diagnosis was far worse than being the one to deliver it. We learned that day Payton has leukemia. I felt a sense of relief with a sure diagnosis. However, that relief was short lived when the doctors stated that labs were showing 2 different kinds of leukemia, AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia ) and ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia). Doctors explained that it was very important for them to have a definitive diagnosis as the treatment for the 2 types of leukemias were very different. Unfortunately, they did not have the necessary tools required for the testing in NC so we would be transferred to a different hospital.

On July 9, 2024 Payton and I were packed up and on a flight to St. Jude in Memphis, Tennessee. I had so many emotions running through my mind. As we all know St Jude is the best pediatric oncology hospital. I was blessed that they accepted Payton as a patient because they have the best of the best doctors, medical staff, and equipment. I was also saddened to know that Payton's diagnosis was this severe to even need such high level of care. On July 12, 2024 we finally had a diagnosis. The crushing news Payton has not one but BOTH leukemias. Mixed Phenotype Acute Leukemia (MPAL) has truly changed my daughters life.

From that moment on, Payton has been in and out the hospital for multiple week long stays, here recently almost a month. All the things she loves to do have been stripped away. Friends and family that she once played with daily have now not seen her for a month or more due to her low immune system. She can no longer attend school, play sports, or engage in social activities. All trips, travel, and vacations have been and replaced with treatments. The most difficult of this all for both Payton and I was seeing her friends return to school for the 1st day, while Payton was starting her 1st day of Chemo, in the second phase of treatment. And this is where we stand today. This diagnosis has brought about difficult and challenging times. We still shed many tears. Although we will never know the reason behind this I do know that there is a purpose. Payton will fight and persevere to walk in her PURPOSE, with me right by her side.

Unfortunately, due to her diagnosis, I am now unable to work. As her sole caregiver and mom I am still responsible for her well-being. Bills (rent, utilities, insurances, travel, household items, etc) are still due. Her doctors are in a different city and the drive one way is 52 mins. Due to her medications she has gained weight and outgrew all of her clothing and shoes. Chemo treatments are 4 times a week some ending in overnight stays. These are just a few of many reasons for starting the gofundme, as this will be an estimated 3 year journey. We are asking for your help in this fight against cancer! Any and all donations will help us in our fight along our journey and will be greatly appreciated. Also linked will be an amazon registry of items that Payton and myself may need if you would prefer to donate that way. We understand that everyone can't donate so we would like to ask that you say a prayer for her healing and share the post, as the next person may be able to join the fight. I have also created a facebook group "Payton's Purpose" for those who would like to follow our progress.

Thank you in advance with love and gratitude,

Da'Terria Connor

https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/1H6392HQ9362V