Payton’s medical expenses and recovery

On Saturday night, tragedy struck our family.

My beloved 16 year old niece, Payton, was in a horrific motorcycle accident that left her unconscious and alone in a ditch for over nine hours, from 9 PM until sunrise. She was finally discovered by her father, barely clinging to life, her body broken and her skin ice-cold from the long night alone.

She was rushed to the Children’s Hospital, where she remains in critical condition, on a ventilator, surrounded by a team of specialists fighting to stabilize her.

Despite wearing all of her protective gear, which undoubtedly saved her life, Payton has suffered:

• A collapsed lung, requiring emergency surgery

• Multiple broken ribs and extensive chest trauma

• A broken wrist

• Swelling and bruising to her brain, the severity of which we still do not know

Right now, MRI scans and neurological assessments must wait, as doctors work around the clock to address the life-threatening injuries first. We are living moment to moment, holding onto hope, praying for healing, and staying strong for her. Payton is currently in a medically induced coma to give her body the best possible chance to heal, especially her lungs, both of which were seriously damaged in the accident. This allows her to rest deeply while her medical team works to stabilize her condition and give her the best shot at recovery.

Why We Need Your Help

The emotional toll on our family is beyond words. But the financial burden is also immense.

We are raising funds to support:

• Ongoing medical care and hospital stays

• Post-surgery rehabilitation and physiotherapy

• Travel and accommodation costs for her family while she remains hospitalized

• Emotional and psychological recovery for both Payton and her loved ones

This journey will be long. It will be hard. And we can’t do it alone.

Who Payton Is

Payton is a daughter, sister, cousin and friend… she is a light in the lives of everyone who knows her. She’s brave, kind-hearted, creative, and strong in ways we are only beginning to understand. Her strength through this is reminding us of the powerful spirit she carries.

She deserves a chance to come back from this. To heal and to live fully again.

How You Can Help

Please consider donating to support Payton’s healing journey. No amount is too small. And if you can’t give financially, we ask that you share this story, send prayers, light candles, or hold Payton in your heart.

Every act of support matters.

Every prayer matters.

She matters.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with Payton and our family.

With love and deep gratitude,

The family of Payton Gould.