In the future, Peyton aspires to become a pediatric nurse so she can help children in a similar situation feel heard and seen. 

Peyton was nominated for the contest by her mother, who shared: 

“Peyton became a Hidden Helper around six years old. I remember when she first told her dad (stepfather) that it was time to take his medicine. She would keep him grounded during a hard day with PTSD, depression, or anxiety.  

Bryan was in and out of inpatient PTSD and Substance Use programs and made several suicide attempts since 2017. This last year has been devastating for our family, especially Peyton. At the end of February last year, Bryan died by suicide. Through all the years that Peyton was a Hidden Helper, she cared for him and was the calming voice for him. When he wasn't doing well, she would get him engaged by asking him to do something with her.  

Peyton showed courage, strength, and resilience throughout this last year. One of her sisters and I planned to speak at the funeral, but she spoke up and said that she wanted to. And she did. Peyton also has been courageous in receiving her own mental health support and speaking up when she isn't doing well. She continues doing the best she can for herself and others. 

Throughout the years, Peyton has spoken to our local TV outlets and helped out at the Veteran caregiver retreats I held. This past year, only a few months after Bryan passed, Peyton was a panel speaker at the Elizabeth Dole Foundation's Hidden Helpers Summit. She was the only survivor on the panel. She was such a role model for the other kids in the room as well as the adults. She has connected with others at her school and on her softball team who have or are experiencing trauma and lends a listening ear for them. 

In December, Peyton spoke at the Elizabeth Dole Foundation Gala in front of almost 1,000 guests. I believe she captivated the audience when she spoke about the months leading up to his death and how this has affected her. She gave examples so that other organizations and people could learn takeaways that could be helpful for other Veterans. She did not read from a script but spoke from her heart, and did so because she said she didn't want anyone else to go through what she has. The kicker is that Peyton has extreme anxiety. Speaking up at the funeral and other events, which she did prior to Bryan passing as well, exhibited courage and leadership. I have no doubt that she will continue to do so.”