PeytonJuneStrong

Peyton June is a beautiful 9-year-old girl that was recently diagnosed with Stage 4, High-Risk Neuroblastoma. Her mom, Ashley has been unable to work since her diagnosis and is her primary caregiver and support/comfort. Ashley is a single mother with two daughters and a full-time student pursuing her degree for Criminal Justice. There is no good time for an illness, but to say her plate is full is an understatement. In addition, Peyton’s Dad, Patrick is the carrier of the Medical Insurance and needs to continue to work full-time to continue providing the needed medical coverage for Peyton’s care. Even with private insurance they will be faced with many incurring expenses related to the overall care for Peyton during her treatment at Children’s Hospital in Milwaukee. I would like to try to help ease them of the many financial burdens/worries that come with caring for a child with cancer so they can focus on being with Peyton and doing whatever they need to do to help her fight and get through this.

 Please take the time to read about Peyton and her journey. All positivity and prayers are appreciated. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.


I have attempted to write this post several times in the last few weeks, but it’s been overwhelmingly heartbreaking, and I just couldn’t bring myself to do it without breaking down. As much as we don’t want to have to do this, we feel as though its time to let everyone know what's been happening with Peyton and her very recent diagnosis.

On September 8th, we brought her to the Emergency Room because she was experiencing fevers for a few days and was having unexplainable back pain to the point where she was inconsolable. The ER doctor ran some tests and chalked up all of her symptoms to having a kidney infection, so we were sent home with antibiotics. A couple more weeks went by, she was having intermittent fevers and she just overall looked very run-down/pale and developed dark circles under her eyes. On top of that, she was still having these unexplained episodes of pain in her back and left side/hip where she would be completely inconsolable.

I called the Pediatrician back, they asked us to bring her in immediately. When we got there, Peyton’s heartrate was in the 160s. She ordered an array of blood tests, an X-ray of her abdomen and an EKG to check her heart. Her X-ray was normal, but several of her blood tests were abnormal indicating inflammation and infection. Her EKG was abnormal, and we needed to bring Peyton in to see a Cardiologist for an Echocardiogram. The next morning, Peyton woke up feeling awful and her right eye was dark, red and swollen almost shut. She had her Echocardiogram and although it checked out okay, it was mutually decided by her Doctors that she should be admitted to Children’s Hospital in Neenah for fluids, further testing and observation.
Once Peyton was admitted to the hospital and examined, the Hospitalist ordered a CT scan of her abdomen to rule out constipation or a bowel obstruction.

After the CT scan, the Doctor came in with the Nurse and Child Life Specialist and told me he had some unfortunate bad news. They had found a large mass or tumor in Peyton’s abdomen on the left side and that it was consistent with cancer. I was in complete shock. How could our extremely healthy, happy, vibrant and beautiful 9-year-old daughter possibly have cancer?! I couldn't believe it. I didn't want to believe it. Peyton began to completely breakdown in a panic as soon as she heard the word cancer. All I remember in that moment was holding Peyton, trying to do everything in my power to keep it together to stay strong and comfort her, because I wanted nothing more to take all of her pain and fears away.

The following morning Peyton was transferred to Children’s Hospital in Milwaukee where the team of Oncology Specialists would take over her care, and come up with a plan of action. Peyton had a 3.5-hour long surgery to have a biopsy of the tumor taken, a bone marrow biopsy and bone biopsies done on both of her hips. They also placed a Central Line in her chest to have easier access for bloodwork, fluids, and to be able to administer any medication or treatments she would need in the future. She spent the next several days in the hospital recovering and getting more tests done in which it felt like time stood still.

On October 22rd, after numerous tests & specialty scans, our worst fears were confirmed, and we received the devastating news— the tumor was in fact cancer. Unfortunately, the cancer cells have metastasized to her bone marrow, lymph nodes, and to several large areas of bone throughout her entire little body. Her final diagnosis--Stage 4, High-risk Neuroblastoma.
We are completely devastated and heartbroken, yet Peyton is handling it all like the strong, happy, spirited, beautiful 9.5-year-old girl she is. She is my inspiration & our brave and strong little fighter.

Our Peyton June has at least a 12 to 18-month long and grueling fight ahead of her that includes Chemo, Radiation, Stem Cell Transplants, Immunotherapy, possible MIBG therapy, Surgery and much more. We have gone through a rollercoaster of emotions, and in this time of crisis, we ask for everyone to please keep Peyton and our family in your thoughts and prayers—she needs as much strength, comfort and positive energy as possible out there for her as we begin this battle to fight and overcome this awful disease.

As we are still pretty early in this process, getting new information and beginning her treatments, we ask that everyone please be courteous and understand that we may not be able to respond to messages right away, but we are working on a place to post to keep everyone updated as we continue on this journey. Thank you so much for your understanding & please keep praying for our sweet girl!
She's going to kick this cancer's butt!

#PeytonJuneStrong #TeamPeyton #NeuroblastomaWarrior #FightLikeAKid #CHW #MaccFundCenter