Payton Riggs
A letter from Jennifer Riggs, my wife and Payton’s Mom:
A letter from Jennifer Riggs, my wife and Payton’s Mom:
My daughter,
Payton, is the sweetest, kindest, most amazing little girl who has great
aspirations to help others and who has already fought harder at her tender age than most of us will ever have to. When she was eight months old she was diagnosed
with neuroblastoma. The tumor was removed two weeks later with great
success, removing more than 90% from her body. This type of neuroblastoma is essentially cured by
removal, and fortunately for us radiation and chemotherapy were not necessary. Doctors say that
out of 650 cases per year that are diagnosed, only about seven are presented this
way. Payton’s oncologist at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia says that
her cancer coming back is "highly unlikely," but it doesn't stop us
from testing and worrying.
However, we do realize how fortunate we are. Payton's little scar reminds us of this. We have been so fortunate that Payton's neuroblastoma was found early on and removed by surgery. So fortunate that an amazing doctor found a tumor during a diagnostic urinary reflux test. So fortunate, that a remarkable team at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia removed all of Payton's tumor so that chemotherapy or radiation was not necessary. So fortunate that my baby is still here and so fortunate that research continues to search for a cure.
Payton will turn nine this November and we are grateful for everything her experience has taught us. She has the biggest, most sensitive heart you will ever find in a little girl. Her Dad, younger sister Jordyn, and I are so proud of her and are always amazed by her!
My family and I participate in the Lemon Run every year to raise money to help researchers find a cure. We support Alex’s efforts and her family by continuing what their daughter started. Through Alex's inspiring story and her parents’ dedication, doctors are making life changing breakthroughs every day. We are thankful for them and all they have done for Payton and other children.
However, we do realize how fortunate we are. Payton's little scar reminds us of this. We have been so fortunate that Payton's neuroblastoma was found early on and removed by surgery. So fortunate that an amazing doctor found a tumor during a diagnostic urinary reflux test. So fortunate, that a remarkable team at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia removed all of Payton's tumor so that chemotherapy or radiation was not necessary. So fortunate that my baby is still here and so fortunate that research continues to search for a cure.
Payton will turn nine this November and we are grateful for everything her experience has taught us. She has the biggest, most sensitive heart you will ever find in a little girl. Her Dad, younger sister Jordyn, and I are so proud of her and are always amazed by her!
My family and I participate in the Lemon Run every year to raise money to help researchers find a cure. We support Alex’s efforts and her family by continuing what their daughter started. Through Alex's inspiring story and her parents’ dedication, doctors are making life changing breakthroughs every day. We are thankful for them and all they have done for Payton and other children.
Please consider joining us on November 10, 2013 for the 5th
Annual 5K Lemon Run. We would be honored if you would become a member of Team
Payton and help us raise awareness for childhood cancer research. You can
register and donate by clicking on our fundraising page.
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