'Wheels for Payton' fundraiser is Saturday for teen needing medical equipment

Emily Edgerton, Payton Malloy and Amanda Malloy

Payton Malloy, a 13 year old from Oakfield who is an animal loving class clown, is entering this new year with increasingly difficult obstacles.

Payton has very complex medical problems which originated at birth and involve both physical and mental disabilities. These problems have been getting worse over the past year and have been affecting the family greatly. As the problems grow, Payton is losing the skills she has worked hard to learn and the skills many take for granted.

At times, she has trouble climbing stairs, walking and sleeping due to chronic pain. She will be undergoing two surgeries in the next few months on her knee and will be needing specific equipment including a wheelchair/adult stroller, stair lift and other necessary components.

“The hardest thing is what we are going through right now-- the possibility of her losing all of her skills, not being able to walk -- something that she worked so hard for,” said Amanda Malloy, Payton’s mother. “She is going to be 14 soon and there is all of the teenage stuff that I feel like we are going to miss out on like prom and driving and all that kind of stuff, and that is kind of hard for us and it is an everyday struggle. But, we are so fortunate for the things that she can do that I try not to let the negative overcome the positive. We are just fortunate for what she is able to do.”  

Although Payton is struggling, this does not alter her bubbly presence nor her ability to stay strong in hard times.

”The best part [about being Payton’s mother], I would say is just watching her learn and grow and enjoy life so much. Even though she has so many obstacles in her way, she doesn’t let anything bring her down. I mean, she inspires me every day,” Amanda said.

To help out, Payton’s best friend of six years, Emily Edgerton, created and planned “Wheels for Payton.”

“I just want to be able to help the family because they are going through so much and I want to help Payton,” says Emily.

Payton’s family is increasingly thankful for Emily’s support and presence in Payton’s life.

“There are no words to express my gratitude for Emily. This was all her idea. She is a really important part of Payton’s life. Payton looks forward to seeing her every day and if she doesn’t get to see her, she gets very emotional and upset and it kind of interferes with her day,” Amanda said. “She opens her heart to Payton and to us. She is always offering her help in doing things, watching Payton, etc.. We just really want Emily to be recognized for the good person that she is. She did not have to do this.”

“Wheels for Payton” will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. this Saturday, Jan.10, at Oakfield-Alabama High School. It will include a spaghetti dinner and basket raffle. Pre-sale tickets are $6 and the tickets bought at the door will be $8. The food can been eaten there or taken home. All proceeds will benefit Payton. If you need any information, contact Teri Roberts at 519-2747.

“This [fundraiser] would mean that we could provide things that Payton has to have," Amanda said. "These are not luxury items and these are not things that we want to spend our money on. We would love to go on vacations and buy whatever we wanted but that is just not the case and these items that Payton needs are thousands of dollars. Fortunately, we have people like Emily and Teri, who are willing to volunteer their time and help us. These things will help us improve the quality of life for Payton and make it easier for us to take care of her.”

The family is overjoyed by the amount of support they get from the community.

“This is one of the benefits of having a small community because everyone is willing to help. I mean people who don’t even know Payton ask what they can do. It is just really nice to just see that because there is so much bad in the world. It is just nice to see that people are still willing to be helpful,” Amanda said.

Public support has already touched the lives of the Malloy family and they are very thankful. They hope many people can come out this Saturday to eat spaghetti and raise money for the fun-loving and inspiring Payton Malloy.