"A Person's a Person, No Matter How Small"

By: Holly Kendall

Payton has never backed down from a challenge.

“Even when she can see that the the task may be difficult for her, she sticks it out, does her best and always figures it out,” said Amanda, Payton’s mother.

Standing at 37 inches tall, 7-year-old Payton sees the world from a different view than most.

Payton’s Birth

At 29 weeks of pregnancy, Amanda went to the hospital due to pre-term labor. As the doctors were in the process of stopping the labor, they found that something was wrong with Payton’s limbs.

“I was devastated,” said Amanda. “Not knowing and in pre-term labor, it was all scary.”

After seven hard weeks of the unknown, Payton was born at 36 weeks, super healthy and in perfect condition. The geneticist claimed that nothing was wrong, but after the test results came in, it was confirmed that Payton did in fact have Dwarfism.

Dwarfism is a condition of short stature due to a medical or genetic condition. It can be caused by more than 200 conditions, usually stemming from metabolic or hormonal disorders (WebMD). In Payton’s case, she was born with Acondroplasia, the most common form of Dwarfism.

A Rose Among Daisies

Over the years, Payton realized that she was different than the other kids. As her friends were growing taller, she was not. There came a point where it was apparent that Payton was significantly shorter than the kids her age.

“Sometimes people and kids stare at me, but mostly my friends and classmates help me,” said Payton.

Though some people treated her differently due to her size, Payton’s mother believed that they were also drawn towards Payton.

“I think people gravitate toward her. She is known by many and loved by lots. She definitely has her own fan club,” said Amanda.

A Real Champion

Despite her size, Payton has never shied away from trying new things. Since age 2, Payton has been going to Jan Thomas Swim School to master the art of swimming. When she arrives at the school, everyone knows who she is. All of the teachers say hi and give her high-fives of encouragement as she makes her way around the pool.

Becky Thomas has been Payton’s swim teacher since day one. She thinks very highly of Payton and loves swimming with her. They have developed a special friendship over the years they have swam

together.

“I love Payton! The beautiful thing about water is that it is a level playing field for all people. Whether you are blind, missing limbs, have Giant syndrome or are a little person, it makes no difference. Everyone can learn to swim and thrive in the water!  Payton is as capable as anyone else, however, it is her positive disposition that sets her apart from the crowd. To know Payton is to love her! Payton is a rockstar!" said Thomas.

Payton loves Teacher Becky, but loves that she can do what the other kids are doing even more. She feels invincible in the pool.

“I feel successful because I love my teacher, and I can be like other kids,” said Payton.

All the Same

Little Miss Payton may be small, but she is just like any other 7-year-old. She goes to school, has friends, is involved in popular hobbies and has a family that loves her.

“Payton is the light of the family,” said Amanda. “I feel that she brings a sense of unity to our lives.”

Because October was Dwarfism Awareness Month, Payton would like to send out a message to all those reading, curtesy of good old Dr. Seuss:

“A person’s a person, no matter how small.”