Peyton is now 14 years old and thriving in general education as an 8th grader, preparing for the exciting and challenging transition into high school. Thanks to years of perseverance and finally finding the right combination—or “cocktail”—of medications, Peyton continues to experience excellent seizure control. He has had only two seizures that we are aware of in the past two years, a milestone we once could only pray for. This stability has opened doors for growth, learning, and joy that were not always possible.
What truly defines Peyton, though, is his incredible spirit. He is full of love, spunk, and a light that shines on everyone around him. This year, Peyton discovered a newfound love for baseball and is proudly playing his very first season with the Senoia Bombers. He practices hard, learns the game with determination, and is beginning to form friendships along the way. Social challenges are a reality for many children with Dravet Syndrome, so being part of a team—feeling included, encouraged, and celebrated—has been truly life-changing for him.
We continue to lean on God for healing and hold onto hope for a cure. Peyton’s journey, and the progress he has made, would not be possible without the unwavering love, prayers, and support of our friends, family, and the Dravet Syndrome Foundation community. Fundraising and your generosity fuels research, advances treatments, and brings hope to families like ours. Because of you, children like Peyton get the chance not just to survive—but to shine.
2024 Story
Peyton is a sweet, funny, tender hearted 12-year-old who loves Basketball, Taekwondo, playing with his siblings and anything video game related. Peyton has the biggest heart and wants to be friends with everyone. He shares homes with his mom (Brittany), Bonus Dad (Kevin), Dad (Derek), Bonus Mom (Lindsey). He is the older brother of Easton, Malia, Noah and Jason.
Peyton had his first of many seizures on August 12, 2012, at just 5 months old. We were all gathered around the dinner table and Peyton was bouncing in his “Jumperoo” when all of the sudden it got quiet. When we looked over, our precious baby boy was unresponsive. He was rushed to Children’s Hospital where they told us Peyton suffered a seizure. We were told seizures in children were common and it may or may not happen again. Fast forward 3 months later when he had another. From then on seizures became more frequent, longer lasting and harder to treat. At one point he was having more in a day than we could count. Peyton has experienced many different types of seizures over the years, more ambulance rides than we can count, 4 life flights and 4 intubations.
Peyton was diagnosed with Dravet syndrome at 2 years of age. That was the day our family changed forever. We were now on a difficult journey of many seizures, developmental delays, therapies, medical equipment, trauma, PTSD and so much more. We tried many therapies, medications and participated in drug trials. After years of trial and error we finally found some relief with cannabis oil combined with a few medications. Peyton went 4 years seizure free! Although Peyton is seeing a bit of an increase in seizures through his pre-teen years, his family knows they are incredibly blessed.
Peyton is the strongest, most resilient person we know. He has been through more than the average adult. Not only does he accept his Dravet syndrome diagnosis, but he also embraces it. He has beaten all odds. Peyton has had Doctors say they couldn’t do anything else for him, and to prepare for the worst, to ripping out the ventilator tube asking for tacos.
The Dravet Syndrome Foundation has helped fund research and genetic therapies. Help us raise awareness for these amazing kids like Peyton who deserve so much more. Peytons family, alongside all of you will always continue to fight for a cure.
