Gallery

My First Days in the NICU

Tiny, fragile, and already fighting for my life.

Surrounded by Care

Even in a world of tubes and machines, I was wrapped in love.

A Tough Beginning

Every wire tells the story of the challenges my heart faced from the start.

Little Warrior

My body was small, but my strength was bigger than anyone knew.

In My Grandma’s Arms

Held with love by the woman who never stopped praying for me.

Life-Saving Technology

The machines that kept me stable while my medical team fought for my life.

Holding On

Every day in the NICU was a battle — and I kept winning.

Fragile but Fighting

A tiny baby with a huge fight ahead.

My First Heart Struggles

Born with a congenital heart defect, my journey started long before my transplant.

My Dad by My Side

My dad sat with me through countless hospital days — watching over me, protecting me, and staying strong when I couldn’t.

My Heart Under Watch

Doctors studied every beat, trying to understand how to help my struggling heart.

After Another Procedure

More lines, more tape, more recovery — each procedure was another step in my fight.

Heart Checkup Day

Back at the hospital for a routine checkup to see how my heart was doing.

Resting After a Long Day

Curled up and resting while the nurses and monitors kept a close eye on me.

Sleeping Safely

Fast asleep, giving my body a chance to recover while everyone watched over me.

Second Surgery: In Recovery

Resting after my second heart surgery, wrapped in blankets while everyone watched my numbers closely.

Fighting Through Surgery Again

My second surgery was tough, but my little body kept fighting its way back to stability.

Holding On After Surgery

Still in recovery after my second heart surgery — tired, swollen, but here.

Flecainide Trial

Hooked up for a monitored trial of flecainide, to see if my heart could handle the new medication.

Emergency Room for SVT

Back in the ER with SVT, while the nurses worked quickly to calm my racing heart.

Talking About Tricuspid Valve Surgery

My mom and I discussing my upcoming tricuspid valve replacement. At this point, we thought surgery on my valve would be enough — we didn’t yet know I would one day need a heart transplant.

Trying to Smile Through the Fear

I tried to smile for this picture, even though I wasn’t sure if I was going to survive. Doctors had just found a blood clot in my heart, and everything felt very uncertain.

Blood Clot in My Right Atrium

This image shows the blood clot in my right atrium — a terrifying discovery that changed everything and brought us one step closer to realizing I would need a heart transplant.

Waiting for My Transplant Workup

Playing on my iPad while waiting for my heart transplant workup to begin. On the outside I looked calm, but inside I was trying to process that my life now depended on a new heart.

Too Tired to Stay Awake

Trying to read a card from someone who cared about me, but I was so exhausted from everything my body was going through. Even small moments like this took a lot of energy.

Listed as Status 1A

The official letter from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital confirming that I was listed as Status 1A on the heart transplant waiting list. Seeing it in writing made everything real — scary, overwhelming, and full of hope all at the same time.

Cards, Comfort, and Rest

Resting in bed with my card and stuffed friends nearby — little things that made the hospital feel a bit less scary.

Laughing with My Sister

My sister showing me something funny during a hospital stay — a moment of real laughter in the middle of everything.

Sisters in This Together

My sister and me, side by side in my hospital room — sharing smiles, jokes, and the kind of support only a sibling can give.

Waiting with Balloons and Hope

Surrounded by balloons and gifts while I lay in bed, waiting and hoping for better news for my heart.

Celebrating Every Small Step

More balloons, more color, and more signs of love — celebrating each little step forward in my journey.

Books, Crafts, and Passing the Time

Reading and doing activities in bed to pass the long hospital days while my body tried to heal.

Reading Your Words of Support

Propped up in bed, reading a card and surrounded by stuffed animals — the messages people sent meant more than they knew.

Feeling the Love

Reading a card while holding onto my balloons, a colorful reminder of how many people were cheering me on.

Exhausted but Still Fighting

Completely worn out, resting in my hospital bed while my body continued to fight and heal.

Waiting for My New Heart

Resting in my hospital bed while I waited for a donor heart — tired, unsure, and hoping the call would come.

Exhausted, but Safe

Curled up under my blankets with my stuffed animal, completely worn out after another long hospital day.

Journals, Cards, and Coloring

Writing, drawing, and reading at my bedside table — little projects that helped the hours pass and kept my mind busy.

Surprise Package!

Opening a big surprise box in my hospital room and getting way too excited — gifts like this made the hard days so much brighter.

Room Full of Color

Sitting up in bed surrounded by decorations, blankets, and presents — turning my hospital room into my own little celebration space.

Celebrating the Little Wins

Holding up one of my gifts with balloons behind me, celebrating every small step forward in my recovery.

Unboxing More Love

Digging through another package at my bedside, finding toys and treats from people who were cheering me on from afar.

Sonic Poster Surprise

Opening a Sonic poster my cousin got me — a little piece of normal kid joy in the middle of hospital life.

Smiles After So Many Battles

Still in the hospital, still healing, but smiling in my Sonic hat with my new plush — a reminder that joy can exist right alongside the hard stuff.

Stepping Outside with My IV Pole

Out on a short walk with my IV pole, getting fresh air while still tethered to the hospital — a tiny taste of freedom while waiting for my new heart.

Right Before Transplant Surgery

A quiet moment with my dad just before I was taken back for my heart transplant. We didn’t know what the next hours would bring, but we held onto each other with hope and fear all at once.

Being Prepped and Cared For

My care team working around my bed, making sure everything was ready and that I was as safe and comfortable as possible.

Right After Transplant Surgery

Fresh out of heart transplant surgery in the ICU — swollen, sedated, and surrounded by machines that were helping my new heart settle in.

Monitored Every Second

Nurses and doctors watching my numbers closely as my new heart worked hard to keep me stable.

A New Heart, A New Chance

Still in intensive care, but this time with a new heart beating in my chest and a balloon floating nearby as a sign of hope.

Healing in the ICU

Lying in bed with lines, monitors, and medicines running — my body working nonstop to heal from transplant.

The Rhythm of My New Heart

The monitor tracing out each beat of my new heart — the gift that changed everything.

My First Words After Transplant

This photo was taken shortly after my heart transplant. When I finally woke up, my very first words were, “Thank You, God.” Even with all the tubes and monitors, gratitude was the first thing on my mind.

Resting with My New Heart

Still groggy after transplant, letting my new heart do its work while the monitors kept watch over every beat.

Learning to Stand Up Again

The team helping me stand up and move for the first times after surgery — small steps that took a lot of strength.

Fire Engine X-Ray

Getting ready for a chest X-ray in the coolest machine — it was painted like a fire engine, which made everything just a little less scary.

Flamingo Game with PT”

Trying to play a flamingo game with my physical therapists — working on balance and strength while still finding ways to laugh.

My Cardiologist Since Day One

My pediatric cardiologist, who has taken care of me since I was a baby, visiting me right after my heart transplant. We’d been through so much together, and now we were seeing the miracle we’d hoped for.

Sharing This Moment Together

Laughing with the cardiologist who has walked this whole journey with me — from my first diagnosis to my brand-new heart. This visit meant the world to both of us.

Trying to Be a Kid Again

Sitting up with my pillows and stuffed animals, playing games and trying to feel a little more like myself again.

Healing with My Pink Pillow Friend

Curled up in bed with my big pink stuffed animal, resting while my body kept healing from transplant.

First Walks Down the Hallway

Walking the hospital hallway in my gown — one of my first real steps toward going home with my new heart.

Taking Those First Hallway Laps

Walking the halls with my IV pole and support team — every lap was a little victory for my new heart.

A Little Farther Each Day

Pushing myself to walk a bit farther down the hallway, feeling tired but proud of how strong I was becoming.

Growing Stronger with Every Step

Another walk with the team beside me — proof that my new heart was working and my body was learning to trust it.

First Time Outside Again

Sitting in a wheelchair outside, soaking up fresh air and sunshine after so much time inside the hospital.

Mask On, Moving Forward

Standing in the hallway in my mask and colorful outfit, protecting my new heart while I kept getting stronger.

Walking the Hallway on My Own

Walking down the hallway without an IV pole for the first time — just me, my mask, and my new heart getting stronger with every step.

News Cameras in My Room

A WCPO 9 news crew setting up in my hospital room to film a story about my transplant journey

Sharing My Story on WCPO 9

Being interviewed by WCPO 9 about my heart transplant journey — using my story to raise awareness and give others hope.

Cousin Time on My Bed

Hanging out on my hospital with my cousin who came to visit, soaking up normal family time after everything I’d been through.

Heart Biopsy Pressures

The printout from my annual heart biopsy, showing the pressures inside my new heart. These numbers help my transplant team make sure everything is working the way it should and that there are no signs of rejection.

Smiles with My Dad

A selfie with my dad, both of us finally able to smile after everything we’d been through with my old heart.

So Grateful We’re Still Here

Another photo with my dad, this time with even bigger smiles — thankful for my new heart and this second chance at life.

Another Heart Biopsy Day

Sitting on the hospital bed getting ready for another heart biopsy. These routine checkups were never fun, but they were an important way to make sure my new heart was still healthy and not showing signs of rejection.

Trying to Take My Medicine

Taking one of the many medicines I needed after transplant — and this one tasted absolutely awful. I always made a face, but I still took it because it helped keep my new heart safe.

Birthday Treat with My New Heart

Celebrating my 12th birthday just 10 days after my heart transplant, enjoying a special treat on the couch and smiling with my brand-new heart.

Birthday in the Hotel

Celebrating my 12th birthday in a hotel while my family and I waited for a room at the Ronald McDonald House — not the usual place for a birthday, but I was just grateful to be alive with my new heart.

Ronald McDonald House Memories

Posing with Ronald outside the Ronald McDonald House — a place that helped my family stay close while I was in the hospital.

Back Again for Another Biopsy

Getting ready for another heart biopsy, one of the many follow-up procedures I needed after transplant. These days were never easy, but they helped my team make sure my new heart was still healthy and not showing signs of rejection.

Snack Time at Ronald McDonald House

Having cupcakes and snacks at the Ronald McDonald House — a cozy, in-between place my family and I could stay while I recovered and went back and forth to the hospital.

A View Over Cincinnati

Visiting a family friend who had an amazing view of downtown Cincinnati. Standing there with my new heart, looking out over the city that held so much of my story.

Masked Up in the Dinner Line

Waiting in line for food at the Ronald McDonald House, wearing a mask because I was in isolation. Even simple things like getting dinner came with extra steps to protect my new heart.

Easter with Bunny Ears

Celebrating Easter with bunny ears and a big smile — holidays felt extra special knowing I’d made it through my transplant.

Easter with My Mom and Sister

Posing with my mom and sister on Easter, grateful to be together and to be well enough to celebrate after everything we’d been through.

Biopsy Day and a Laptop Break

Sitting in bed with my computer on another heart biopsy day, passing the time online while I waited for tests and results.

A Purple Heart from My Cousin

Wearing my mask and holding a little purple heart my cousin made for me — a small piece of love I carried with me on the hard days.

Welcome to My Wish Fundraiser

A Make-A-Wish coordinator opened her home and decorated the front porch just for my fundraiser—everyone walking in was there to support my wish.

A Special Wish Bowl

The Make-A-Wish host set out this big silver bowl filled with goodies just for my fundraiser—one more thoughtful detail to make the night feel special and all about my wish.

Why We’re Here

This framed program told my story and explained that the whole night was a fundraiser to help make my Make-A-Wish trip come true.

My Story & Sweet Treats

This is the same framed picture of my Make-A-Wish story, but this time surrounded by cookies—so guests could read about my journey while enjoying a treat and supporting my wish. 🍪💙

Treats that Give Back

These adorable desserts were set out by the Make-A-Wish team so guests could enjoy something sweet while donating toward my wish.

Kids Cheering for My Wish

These girls came to the Make-A-Wish event with bright posters and big smiles, all to support me and help fund my wish.

Lemonade for My Wish

Make-A-Wish helped organize this lemonade stand where everything was just $1—and every dollar went toward my wish.

Golf Clap for Payton at Cedarville

Cedarville University hosted a Make-A-Wish golf fundraiser in my honor. Seeing this “Golf Clap for Payton” sign on campus made me feel so supported by people who didn’t even know me but still cared about my wish. ⛳️💛

Cedarville Volleyball Cheering Me On

The Cedarville University volleyball team made this big “Congratulations Payton” sign for my Make-A-Wish fundraiser. Knowing a whole college team was rooting for me made me feel so special and so supported. 🏐💛

A Note from Baseball

The Cedarville baseball team kept it simple and perfect: “Have fun.” This poster, covered in their signatures, reminded me that my Make-A-Wish trip was really about enjoying every moment.

CU Women’s Soccer Loves Payton

Cedarville University Women’s Soccer made this bright yellow “CUWS ♥ Payton” sign for me. Seeing a whole college soccer team cheer me on and sign their names made me feel so supported and so special. ⚽💛

Hoops & Wishes

The Cedarville men’s and women’s basketball teams signed this giant “May your wishes come true” poster. Knowing both teams took the time to write to me meant more than they’ll ever know.

Track Team Love

“Happy Wish Day!” The Cedarville women’s track team filled this neon poster with messages and autographs, cheering me on like I was running my own special race.

Cedarville Soccer Signs for Me

The Cedarville soccer team made this big yellow “Cedarville Soccer” sign and signed all around it. Every name on that poster felt like another person kicking my wish a little closer to reality.

Have a Great Trip!

This poster with a team photo and “Have a great trip!” was from Cedarville's softball team cheering me on. Seeing their faces and all their signatures made my upcoming Make-A-Wish trip feel even more real.

Union Jack Send-Off

This British-flag poster shouting “Congrats Payton, have a great trip!” was the perfect send-off for my London wish. It felt like everyone was waving a big UK flag just for me.

Updated Flight Plans for My Wish

This page was my Make-A-Wish update with all the new flight details. Seeing the revised times and tickets in writing made everything feel so real—my wish trip was officially booked and getting closer. ✈️💙

London Cookies for My Wish

These Union Jack cookies were handmade by my favorite bakery, The BonBonerie. Knowing that my wish trip to London was being celebrated with treats from a place I love made it feel extra special and perfectly “me.”

Signs in the Stands

Cedarville covered the bleachers with posters for me—“Go Payton,” Union Jacks, and wish messages everywhere. Standing on the field and seeing all those signs made me feel so loved and cheered on.

Welcome to My Wish Sendoff

This bright welcome sign greeted everyone as they arrived at my Make-A-Wish sendoff. Seeing “Welcome” standing there on the field made it feel like the whole day was officially in honor of my London wish.

Guarded by “Royal” Guards

The “Royal Guard” standing next to me was actually a Cedarville University college student who dressed up just for my sendoff. Knowing a college student took the time to do this for my London wish made the moment even more special and fun. 🇬🇧💛

Cameras Rolling on My Big Day

As I walked up, the cameras were already rolling. I high-fived the Make-A-Wish coordinator and tried not to cry—this was really happening, and everyone was there for me.

Sharing My Story

I talked with the crew and answered questions while my friends and family watched. It was a little nerve-wracking, but I felt proud to share my story and my upcoming wish trip.

Cheered Into My Wish

Everyone clapped and smiled as we wrapped up. Surrounded by cameras, volunteers, and people who cared about me, I felt like the luckiest girl in the world getting ready to take off for London.

Marion’s Pizza Sendoff Party

My friends and I had a party at Marion’s Piazza to celebrate that I was going to London with Make-A-Wish. We stuffed our faces with pizza, laughed a ton, and talked all about what I was most excited to see. 🍕✨

London-Bound & Feeling Cool

At my Marion’s sendoff party, I threw on my bandana and sunglasses and gave my best peace sign. I was so pumped for my London trip and felt totally loved by everyone there cheering me on. 💕

Have Fun in London, Payton!

This amazing cake, complete with a giant Union Jack and London-themed plates, was made just for my sendoff. Seeing “Have fun in London, Payton!” written in icing made me grin from ear to ear.

On Our Way to London!

This selfie was taken on our way to London, badges on and excitement all over our faces. Every mile we traveled, my wish felt more and more real.

Airport Selfie with Dad

My dad and I snapped this selfie at the airport right before my Make-A-Wish trip to London. We were tired, excited, and grinning because in just a few hours my wish would finally be coming true. ✈️

Hello from London

My family and I finally made it—standing on the bridge with Big Ben behind us. After all the fundraisers, posters, and parties, my London wish had come true.

Big Ben, Big Smiles

Standing in front of Big Ben with my family, I couldn’t stop smiling. I was really in London on my Make-A-Wish trip—something I had only dreamed about before.

Classic Red Phone Booth Moment

You can’t go to London without a red phone booth picture! I loved posing here with my family, soaking in every little “London” detail of my wish trip.

Tower Bridge Views

Here we are by Tower Bridge, one of the most famous spots in London. The wind was cold, but my heart was so full knowing Make-A-Wish brought me all the way here.

Putting My Face in History

This was one of those cutout boards where you stick your face through—I got to “dress up” like someone from history without changing clothes. It was silly and fun, and we laughed so hard taking this picture on my London wish trip. 🥰

Tired but Thankful on the Tube

Riding the Tube with my mom after a long day of sightseeing, I was exhausted but so thankful. Every train ride was another little adventure on my wish trip.

Underground Giggles

My mom and I laughed our way through learning the London Underground. Even just figuring out which line to take became part of the fun.

First Look at Buckingham Palace

Standing outside Buckingham Palace, I couldn’t believe I was really there. The famous gates, the huge courtyard—this was the London I’d always seen in pictures.

Royal Memories

We took this photo right in front of Buckingham Palace, trying to soak it all in. Thanks to Make-A-Wish, I got to feel like royalty for a day in London. 👑

Taking a Break by the Palace

After a busy morning of sightseeing, we sat down by the gates to rest our feet and eat a snack. I loved just sitting there, soaking in the fact that I was really in London on my wish trip.

Quiet Moments in the Gallery

We stopped in this beautiful art gallery and took a break on the bench. It felt peaceful to sit together, surrounded by paintings, in the middle of such an exciting day.

Steps of a Royal Spot

We posed on the steps outside one of the royal buildings in London. I remember feeling tiny standing in front of something so grand—and so thankful that Make-A-Wish brought me here.

City Girl in London Traffic

Buses, cabs, and cars were flying by behind me, and I just grinned. I was right in the middle of London traffic, wearing my badge and loving every second of my adventure.

Walking Under the Trees

We walked along this shady path, just talking and enjoying being together. It was one of those simple moments that made my wish trip feel extra special.

Side-by-Side in the City

I loved walking through London with my family—jackets zipped up, badges on, and nowhere to be except exactly where we were.

On the Lawn by Parliament

Here I am on the grass with the famous buildings behind me. Seeing places I’d only ever watched on TV felt completely unreal—in the best way.

Big Ben Over My Shoulder

We snapped this picture on the bridge with Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament behind us. The wind was cold, but my heart was so full.

London Eye at Night

The London Eye lit up the sky in bright red as we took this nighttime photo. Standing there by the river, I felt like I was inside a postcard—and it was all because of my Make-A-Wish trip. 🌙🎡

London Eye Glow-Up

My mom and I stood in front of the London Eye all lit up at night. The colors on the wheel were so bright it felt like the whole city was celebrating my wish trip with me. 🎡✨

London Eye Selfie

I snapped this selfie by the river with the London Eye glowing behind me. The wind was freezing, but I was too happy to care—I was in London because of Make-A-Wish.

Meeting the “Royal” M&M

At M&M’s World, I found this giant guard M&M and had to take a picture. It was like a silly candy version of the real guards I’d seen around the city.

Knight in Shining…Chocolate

This M&M was dressed up as a knight, and I loved it. London castles, armor, and chocolate all in one place—pretty much perfect.

Red M&M, Big Smile

I posed with the big red M&M and felt like a little kid again. After all the serious medical stuff in my life, it was so nice to just be goofy and have fun.

River Selfie with Dad

Dad and I took this selfie by the water with London in the background. I loved having him there to share every moment of my wish trip.

Big Ben Over Our Shoulders

Another selfie with Dad—this time with Big Ben and the river behind us. We were tired from walking all over the city, but we couldn’t stop smiling.

Strolling Down Downing Street

We stopped on Downing Street for this photo, right near where the Prime Minister lives. Standing there with my family, I felt like we were getting a peek into the “real” London you always hear about in the news.

Sweet Treats to End the Night

We finished the day with fun drinks and dessert under these bright purple lights. It was the perfect way to wrap up another amazing night on my Make-A-Wish adventure. 💜🍨

The Lion King on the West End

Standing outside the theatre with The Lion King banner above me, I couldn’t believe I was about to see a show in London’s West End. It felt like pure Disney magic mixed with London sparkle. 🦁

Hogwarts at Night

My family and I posed in front of Hogwarts lit up behind us. As a Harry Potter fan, walking through the studio tour on my wish trip was like stepping right into the movies. ✨

All Aboard the Hogwarts Express

Here I am standing by the Hogwarts Express, trying to act cool but totally freaking out inside. I couldn’t believe I was this close to the train I’d watched a million times on screen. 🚂

Packed for Hogwarts

I stood by the old trunks and luggage, pretending I was about to head off for my first year at Hogwarts. For a second, it really felt like I was waiting on Platform 9¾. 🧳

Knight Bus Sighting

Seeing the triple-decker Knight Bus in real life was wild. I loved standing underneath it in my pink hoodie, imagining it might zoom off through London traffic any second.

Knight Bus Rider

I climbed onto the Knight Bus and felt like I was about to zoom off into the wizarding world. It was so cool seeing something I’d only ever watched on screen right in front of me.

Flying Car Close-Up

This is the famous blue car from Harry Potter! Standing next to it, I kept thinking, “If this thing actually takes off, I’m ready.” 🚗✨

Riding Hagrid’s Motorcycle

I got to sit on Hagrid’s motorcycle with the sidecar next to me, just like in the movies. For a minute I felt like I was about to take off over London on my own magical escape. 🏍️✨

Stepping Through the Wizarding Wall

I stood inside this brick tunnel feeling like I was about to walk straight into the wizarding world. Moments like this made my Harry Potter day on my Make-A-Wish trip feel completely magical. 🧱✨

Magic Filter Fun

We played around with a fun camera filter that turned the castle behind me into crazy colors. It made my Harry Potter day feel even more magical and silly.

Potions Class in Session

I got to stand in what looked like a real potions classroom—cauldrons, bottles, and all. It felt like Snape could walk in at any second and start a lesson.

Selfie with Professor McGonagall

I had to grab a selfie with Professor McGonagall’s actual costume behind me. Standing in the Great Hall with her robes right there made my Harry Potter–loving heart so happy on my wish trip. 🪄✨

Dorothy Lane Bag at Abbey Road

I held up my Dorothy Lane Market bag by the Abbey Road gate so I could send it in—since they post photos of their bag at famous landmarks. It felt like I was sharing a little piece of home from London. 🛍️

Dorothy Lane Bag Goes to Abbey Road

I brought my Dorothy Lane Market shopping bag to Abbey Road Studios because they’ll post your photo if you take their bag to a famous landmark. Holding it under the Abbey Road sign was my way of taking a little piece of home with me on my London wish trip. 🛍️🎶

Crossing Abbey Road

We walked across the Abbey Road crosswalk just like the Beatles. I couldn’t stop laughing, but I also knew I was checking off a major bucket-list moment on my wish trip.

Signing the Abbey Road Wall

I stood in the famous doorway covered in signatures and messages from all over the world. Knowing I got to add my own little piece of “Payton was here” made the moment unforgettable.

Shopping in Style

We wandered through this gorgeous London store with fancy displays everywhere. I loved exploring the aisles and picking out a few little treasures to remember my trip by.

Proud Wish Kid

I snapped this selfie in my pink London hoodie with my Make-A-Wish buttons showing. I felt proud wearing them—they were a little reminder of how many people helped send me on this trip.

Family Ride on the London Eye

My family and I rode the London Eye together, watching the city spread out below us. Being up there with them felt like the perfect “wow” moment of my wish trip.

Chilling in the Sky

We sat together inside our London Eye pod, just relaxing and enjoying the view. It was peaceful and exciting at the same time—like floating above the whole city.

Smiles in the Clouds

Dad, Mom, and I posed for this picture as the London Eye climbed higher. You can see the excitement on our faces—we were literally on top of the world.

Big Ben from the Eye

I loved this view of Big Ben from inside the London Eye. Seeing such a famous landmark from so high up made my Make-A-Wish trip feel even more unreal.

Tiny Me, Huge Door

I stood in front of this massive old door (it made me look so small!). London’s buildings are so detailed and beautiful—it felt like stepping into a storybook.

Sunny Street Selfie with Dad

Dad and I took this selfie on a sunny London street. Between the blue sky, the old buildings, and us squinting into the camera, it’s one of my favorite “just us” photos from my wish trip. 🌤️💕

Fish & Chips Kind of Night

I finally got to try real British fish and chips. I remember staring at my plate thinking, “Wow, I’m actually eating this in London on my Make-A-Wish trip.”

Arriving at Sketch for Afternoon Tea

I’m standing outside Sketch in my blue top, getting ready for afternoon tea. I’d seen pictures of this place before, so walking up to the famous pink restaurant in London on my Make-A-Wish trip felt unreal. 🍰🫖✨

Afternoon Tea Dream

This was my first real British afternoon tea—tiny sandwiches, scones, and fancy desserts stacked high. I felt like a princess getting treated to something so special.

Selfie with a London Police Officer

I gathered my courage and asked this London police officer for a picture. He said yes and smiled, and I loved having this very “London” moment on my trip. 👮‍♂️

City Views by the Water

I stood by the water with the city behind me, just soaking it all in. Moments like this made me stop and think about how far I’d come to be here.

Quiet Moment at a Memorial

We stopped at this beautiful memorial in the park. It was peaceful and calm, and I felt really grateful for the gift of being in London.

Park Walk with Dad

Dad and I took this picture by the water on our walk through the park. The trees, the river, and his arm around me made it one of my favorite calm moments of the trip.

Mom and the London Eye

My mom and I posed on this bridge with the London Eye peeking through the trees behind us. We were a little cold and a little windswept, but I loved sharing this London moment with her on my wish trip. 💙

Another London Moment with Mom

My mom and I stopped on the bridge for another picture together. With the water behind us and London all around, I loved getting these little snapshots of just us during my wish trip. 💕

Taking It All In

I stood at the edge of the water and just looked out over the park and buildings. It was one of those quiet moments where I thought, “Wow… I’m really here in London.”

Inside Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

My mom and I sat together inside Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, one of the oldest pubs in London. The wooden booths, dim lighting, and history all around made it feel like we stepped back in time during my wish trip. 🍻✨

Getting Ready for St Paul’s

Outside St Paul’s Cathedral, my mom helped straighten my lanyard and make sure I was ready for our tour. Standing there under those huge stone walls, I felt tiny and amazed all at once.

St Paul’s Cathedral Tour

We posed for this picture during our tour of St Paul’s Cathedral. Learning the history, seeing the beautiful details, and knowing I was there on my Make-A-Wish trip made it feel extra special. ⛪✨

Giant Duck on the Thames

We spotted this huge rubber duck floating on the water and I had to take a picture. It was so random and funny—one of those little surprises that made the trip unforgettable. 🐤

Limo Ride Home to Dayton

After my incredible London wish trip, we rode home from the airport in a limo. Sitting under the glowing lights with my family, I felt exhausted, happy, and so grateful for every moment of my Make-A-Wish adventure. 🚘💖

Heart Ball Heart Hero

On stage at the American Heart Association Heart Ball, being honored as a Heart Hero and celebrating the gift of my new heart.

Celebrating at the Heart Ball

Smiling with the Heart Ball hosts by the cake — a night filled with gratitude, stories of survival, and hope for other heart patients.

Sharing My Story with the Crowd

My transplant story being shared on the big screen while I sat at the Heart Ball, reminding everyone in the room why heart research and awareness matter.

Heart Ball Photoshoot Fun

A behind-the-scenes Heart Ball photoshoot, posing with the American Heart Association team. A playful moment that shows the joy and personality behind my Heart Hero story.

God Gets Me Through the Fight

Holding my sign that says, “God gets me through the fight,” for the Heart Ball/Life Is Why campaign — my way of sharing where my strength comes from.

Heart Ball Poster Story

A close-up of the American Heart Association poster they created about my journey. It shares my words — “I am beating heart disease every day” — and helps tell my story to inspire others and raise awareness.

Heart Art for My Donor

The digital artwork I created in honor of my donor, Christian. Cincinnati Children’s shared it for Heart Month to help raise awareness for CHD and organ donation.

2013 Heart Hero Billboard

My 2013 Heart Hero billboard, this time with just me and my name in big letters. My transplant story was literally up in lights, helping raise awareness for heart disease and organ donation across Cincinnati.

2013 Heart Hero Billboard – With My Dad

In 2013, the American Heart Association featured my dad and me on a huge “Heart Heroes” billboard. Seeing us up there together was a surreal reminder of how far my new heart had already carried me.

2014 Heart Hero Billboard

My 2014 Heart Hero billboard — another year of raising awareness and sharing my transplant journey across Cincinnati.

2015 Heart Hero Billboard

The 2015 Heart Hero billboard. Each year felt like a reminder of how far my new heart had carried me.

2016 Heart Hero Billboard

My 2016 billboard, honoring my story during Heart Month and continuing to spread awareness about CHD and organ donation.

2017 Heart Hero Billboard

2017’s billboard — celebrating strength, gratitude, and the gift of a second chance at life.

2018 Heart Hero Billboard

The 2018 Heart Hero billboard, shining bright with my message of hope and the importance of heart health.

2019 Heart Hero Billboard

My 2019 Heart Hero billboard. Even years later, it still feels surreal seeing my story displayed for others to learn from and be inspired by.

2020 Heart Hero Billboard

My 2020 Heart Mini billboard, honoring my heart journey and encouraging others to support the fight against heart disease.

2021 Heart Hero Billboard

The 2021 billboard, reminding everyone that even through a pandemic, heart patients are still fighting — and still worth fighting for.

2022 Heart Hero Billboard

My 2022 Heart Mini billboard, continuing to share my story and raise awareness for congenital heart defects and transplant survivors.

2023 Heart Hero Billboard

The 2023 billboard — another year of standing as a Heart Hero and thanking my donor, my medical team, and everyone who supports heart health.

2024 Heart Hero Billboard

My 2024 Heart Mini billboard stretching across the highway, encouraging the community to walk, run, and give in support of heart patients like me.

2025 Heart Hero Billboard

The 2025 Heart Hero billboard. More than a decade after my transplant, my story is still shining over Cincinnati, honoring my donor and spreading hope.