If you know our family, you know we are a family of givers. If there is a fundraiser to support, we are there. Never did we imagine we would be in the position of setting one up for one of our own.

Our daughter, Payton, is facing extremely complex medical challenges — many of which are not covered by insurance. While we are supporting her in every way possible, she is currently unable to work and provide for even her most basic needs.

Between rising insurance costs, high deductibles, co-pays, out-of-network specialists, and uncovered treatments, we are quickly exhausting our resources. She is applying for disability, and we are researching grants and financial assistance programs — but these processes take time. Time she simply does not have.

At 19 years old, Payton’s life has been placed on hold.

She went from attending college online and working nearly 30 hours a week to being mostly homebound. Unless it’s urgent care visits, ER trips, or specialist appointments — last week alone she underwent five MRIs. She can barely manage four hours of work per week. She had plans to purchase a reliable car — something she desperately needs — but that, too, has been put on hold.

She is battling Lyme disease and disabling complications from CSF leaks. The worst-case scenario includes permanent nerve damage from procedures intended to help her. Many of the specialists who treat these conditions are located out of state and often do not accept insurance.

This is not about cutting back on small luxuries or skipping a few meals out. We are talking about thousands and thousands of dollars in medical expenses during a season of life that should be filled with independence, college experiences, and building a future.

From the outside, Payton looks healthy. But invisible illnesses are some of the hardest battles to fight. The emotional toll of hearing, “You look fine — why can’t you work?” only adds to the weight she carries.

We do not know what the future holds. We do not know how long recovery will take — or what that recovery will ultimately look like. But we do know that she deserves every opportunity to heal without the crushing burden of financial stress.

If you feel led to support Payton — whether through sharing this page or making a financial contribution — we are deeply grateful.

All funds raised will go directly to Payton to pay lost wages, medical procedures and anything not paid from our insurance. Our goal is based upon her yearly income. Half of which she has already lost. Moving forward it could easily be upwards of double this.

Thank you for loving our girl.