Peyton’s story began July 6, 2012, in Kingsland, Georgia. She was given the gift of life and had to give it back too soon, after a courageous three-year battle with brain and spine cancer (Anaplastic Ependymoma). With courage, Peyton taught us that each day is a blessing to create lasting memories. Pey was wise beyond her young age. She loved to play with her sister and her dog — her lifelong best friends. Even though she was only 5, Peyton had friends all over the nation and world. Peyton loved Play-Doh, SpongeBob SquarePants, Shopkins’ toys, swimming and splashing and driving her little pink Jeep. Peyton’s favorite song was “Hallelujah” by Pentatonix; she loved macaroni and cheese, Ramen noodles and vanilla bean Frappuccinos. She disliked broccoli. Whimsically sticking out her tongue was one of Peyton’s endearing antics that made us laugh. Pey’s recent milestone was overcoming speech issues caused by her cancer. She mastered saying her name clearly and she was eager to start kindergarten, not hospice. In Peyton’s final weeks, she zealously repeated “I love you Mom, Dad, Ook and O. I love you AAALLLLLL day long!” Ook is Brooklyn, Peyton’s big sister, and “O” is her beloved boxer, Otis. Peyton’s big brown eyes, radiant smile, sweet voice and silly faces shone brightly every day. She never let cancer stop her from enjoying life and inspiring others with amazing strength through surgeries and treatments, clinical trials in Atlanta and Houston, and months away from home. A best-loved time was her Make-A-Wish trip to Disney World with her family. She was a role-model princess who was smitten with bugs, animals and the outdoors as much as she treasured her dresses, sparkles and pretty nail polish. Peyton’s love extends to some extraordinary medical care providers and their teams that gave much love and support, that added to her quality of life and our never ending hope for a cure.