My name is Payton Daniel. I am almost a ten year Leukemia survivor; I was born Friday September 17, 1999 in Riverdale, Georgia. My parents are Jessica and Kenneth. A short time after I was born my parents divorced and it agreed that my mom would raise me and share joint custody. When I was little my mom was working and going to college so my grandparents decided to act as my guardians to allow my mom to reach her goal of becoming a medical assistant. I have four half sibling: Alexis and Wyatt on my mom’s side and Megan and Jesse on my father’s side of the family. Both of my parents chose my name- my mom picked the name Payton because it was the name of her favorite patient when she was a medical assistant; my father picked my middle name after Daniel in the bible.

My grandparents looked after me and my sister Alexis while my mom was working a part time job and going to college. My mom took a leave of absence when I was diagnosed with leukemia on December 9, 2003 at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish rite. My mom took me to all my doctor appointments and stayed with me in the hospital when she could, but when she could not my grandmother stayed with me. I spent over a hundred days in the hospital, received chemotherapy, radiation, blood transfusions, and several spinal taps as a part of my treatment. I was not scared of the treatments; the only part I didn’t like was the needles. The effects of my treatment are delayed but when one shows up my doctor documents them into my survivor healthcare plan. My last treatment was January 22, 2008.

My early childhood years were spent mainly at the doctor receiving my cancer treatment and being in the hospital. When I was in the hospital I was either cooped up in my room or dragging my I.V. pole around everywhere I went. My favorite part of going to the hospital was the koi pond and hanging out with my nurses. After I received my last treatment in January in 2008 we threw a party at Place to Play in Newnan, Georgia. Because I missed a lot of school in kindergarten when I was diagnosed I had to repeat it. 
My life from middle school up to now has been fun. In the sixth grade I met my best friend Clara Pote on a field trip. I received my phone in the spring of 2015. Having cancer was an experience I will always treasure; not only did it help make me who I am today but it gave me a sense of empathy for every person I meet. My life is great I have a cell phone, a season pass to six flags every year and I join my family on vacation to Florida almost every year. I have many hobbies including arts and crafts, swimming, singing and story writing.

My future plans are to graduate high school with an a-b average, go to a community college or technical school, get licensed in psychology and massage therapy and become a famous author. I plan to build my life around my interests and skills so I can enjoy what I will accomplish. I want to live in a decently priced condo or a house I can fix up with a well.  I have plenty of potential in several areas of work so I know whatever job I have when I am older it will be great. My future is close, my heart is open, and I plan to take my journey one step at a time.