Why Are We Here???
A Congenital Heart Defect
Payton and Samantha with Dr. Hall.
Payton was born with a serious heart defect, Atrial Ventricular Septal Defect (AVSD). After having an EKG, her pediatrician sent her parents to Mary Bridge Children's Hospital in Tacoma, Washington. This is where they met Dr. Dale Hall, a pediatric heart surgeon and his team. Dr. Hall performed two of Payton's three heart surgeries at Mary Bridge while his wife, Susie Hall, illustrated various stages of the surgeries. Payton and her family believe that she would not be here today had they not been led to Mary Bridge and to the skillful hands of Dr. Hall and his team.
After three cardiac surgeries (Pulmonary Artery Banding, Wolf Parkinson White Ablation, Open Heart Surgery), Payton's heart began to allow her to grow. While growing, her parents realized that if they did not continue to explain to her all the blessings that she had been given in her short life, that Payton may not fully understand what an important role Dr. Hall had played in her life. Though her parents were thankful that Payton would not remember any of the pain she had experienced, her mother was saddened that Payton may not remember the people who had given her a chance at life.
Payton's mother did not need to worry- Payton's heart had been touched by Dr. Hall in more ways than one. And even though it was only the size of a walnut when he touched it, Payton's heart had the desire to touch other hearts that Dr. Hall was helping.
After three cardiac surgeries (Pulmonary Artery Banding, Wolf Parkinson White Ablation, Open Heart Surgery), Payton's heart began to allow her to grow. While growing, her parents realized that if they did not continue to explain to her all the blessings that she had been given in her short life, that Payton may not fully understand what an important role Dr. Hall had played in her life. Though her parents were thankful that Payton would not remember any of the pain she had experienced, her mother was saddened that Payton may not remember the people who had given her a chance at life.
Payton's mother did not need to worry- Payton's heart had been touched by Dr. Hall in more ways than one. And even though it was only the size of a walnut when he touched it, Payton's heart had the desire to touch other hearts that Dr. Hall was helping.
How does Payton touch the hearts of others???
A path built with love.
Payton began touching the hearts of other children at Mary Bridge during a visit to the hospital at age 5. No, she did not assist Dr. Hall in a surgery! She took books and stuffed animals and she "published" her own story and gave them to families who were visiting the cardiologist and to Dr. Hall so he could give them to his patients. This experience led Payton to get others involved. She still remembers a parent who was scheduling a surgery for her child say to her, "You give me hope." This was all Payton needed to hear. She asked her parents to help her get others involved. They brainstormed ideas and then started their fundraising efforts in 2006. Please visit our other pages to see each year's fundraiser. College Bound in 2018, Regaining Health in 2017, Being Teenagers in 2016, Social Media for Good in 2015, Craziness in 2014, Golfing in 2013, Kick or Volley 2012, The Muscles of 2011, Climbing Higher in 2010, Climb-a-thon 2009, Swim-a-thon 2008, Read-a-thon 2007
What is Dr. Hall and Susie's Art Cart???
Payton visits the art room.
Dr. Hall and his wife, Susie, started a fund at Mary Bridge to provide art supplies for children and their siblings during their hospital stay. Art is a great way for kids to share their feelings and begin the healing process. The children may create artwork in their room, in the art room with other patients, and their siblings may create art in the playroom at the Tree House (visit the hospital webpage www.multicare.org/home/tree-house-place-2 to learn more about the Tree House).
Who helps Payton raise money???
Each year our fundraiser grows.
Payton has never been alone in her desire to raise money for the hospital. Her family and friends immediately jumped on board when Payton shared her interest in giving back to Mary Bridge. Payton's sister Samantha has been an inspirational part of our fundraising. Her desire to support her sister has led her to become an equal partner with fundraising. Payton, Samantha and their family had no idea when the journey started how it would grow and how much support they would receive. Payton knows that she will be able to conquer anything in life with the love and support she has from all of you!
When can you get involved???
Payton (a little over a year old) thanks Dr. Hall and all of you!
Last year, in an effort to assist with fund raising, Mary Bridge created a web page for Payton and Samantha. This was instrumental to last year's success. Individuals wishing to make a contribution can do so by going directly to https://waystohelp.multicare.org/mary-bridge-foundation If you prefer to make a tax deductible contribution to Dr. Hall and Susie's Art Cart directly through Payton and Samantha, you may contact them at [email protected]
Contributions are accepted any time throughout the year! Mary Bridge will send a tax receipt directly to you. 100% of your contribution goes to the hospital and thus to the children!
Contributions are accepted any time throughout the year! Mary Bridge will send a tax receipt directly to you. 100% of your contribution goes to the hospital and thus to the children!
