Heart to Heart: Payton's Media Features

Heart Mini: Emotional Start for Runners

The 35th annual Heart Mini Marathon began with a touching announcement — while thousands of runners took to the streets of Cincinnati, a child was receiving a lifesaving heart transplant at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. The news deeply moved the crowd and inspired runners like Amy Robillard, whose own son once needed a bone marrow transplant. More than 35,000 participants gathered for the city’s first big race of the season, raising millions for the American Heart Association. The event celebrated strength, community, and the lifesaving work that gives every heartbeat new meaning.

Young, Broken Heart Given Second Chance

At just 11 years old, Payton Herres received a lifesaving heart transplant at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital — the very same day runners took off in the Heart Mini Marathon. Born with a rare heart defect called Ebstein’s anomaly, Payton had battled rapid heartbeats and fatigue her entire life. When her heart began to fail, she was placed on the transplant list — and just nine days later, a donor heart gave her a second chance at life. Now, she celebrates two birthdays: the day she was born, and the day she got her new heart.

Girl's Strength Inspires Many

At just 12 years old, Payton Herres received a lifesaving heart transplant at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital — a moment that forever changed her life. Her courage and positivity captured hearts across the community, earning her recognition as a Hometown Hero. Despite years of surgeries, treatments, and challenges with her rare condition, Payton continues to inspire others with her faith, determination, and unbreakable spirit.

Originally published in a local print edition of the newspaper (Dayton Daily News Washington Township Hometown Heroes feature)

One Year Anniversary of Heart Transplant

One year after receiving her lifesaving heart transplant at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, 12-year-old Payton Herres returned to the Heart Mini Marathon — the very event taking place when her surgery happened. This time, she and her dad walked the course together to honor her donor and support the American Heart Association. Now healthy and full of energy, Payton has finished a season of volleyball and plans to play soccer next. Her story is a joyful reminder of gratitude, strength, and the power of a second chance at life.

American Heart Association Dayton Tribute to Payton

Born with a rare heart defect called Ebstein’s anomaly, Payton Herres faced unimaginable challenges until a lifesaving transplant gave her a second chance. Her sister Madison shared their journey — from fear and faith to hope and healing — as Payton celebrated her “new heart birthday” just ten days before her real one. Grateful for her donor and the care that saved her life, Payton now lives each day with strength, joy, and love.

Originally produced by the American Heart Association Dayton as part of their Tribute to Payton feature.

Payton Herres: A Heart That Refused to Give Up

(Originally published in the American Heart Association magazine, print edition.)

Born with Ebstein’s Anomaly, Payton Herres faced heart failure at a young age and endured countless procedures before receiving her lifesaving heart transplant at the University of Cincinnati. Within nine days on the transplant list, she got the call that changed everything. Now thriving at 13, Payton plays sports, enjoys life, and reminds everyone that faith, courage, and gratitude can overcome even the hardest battles.

Children's Hospital Hosts Transplant Family Picnic at Zoo

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital brought transplant patients and their families together for a heartwarming day at the Cincinnati Zoo. The first-ever Transplant Family Picnic celebrated life, gratitude, and the bond between patients and their care teams. Heart transplant recipient Payton Herres shared how special it felt to be surrounded by others who understand her journey, while doctors emphasized the importance of community and support. The event was filled with smiles, animals, and hope — a celebration of second chances.

Yellow Jackets to Host Make-A-Wish Wish Reveal

Cedarville University’s athletic department hosted its first-ever Make-A-Wish® Wish Revealon April 23, 2016, as a reward for raising the most funds in its conference. The ceremony revealed the details of a child’s wish — Payton, age 15 — before a home doubleheader, bringing together students, athletes, and the community in celebration. Led by the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, the event honored generosity and hope, showing how collective support can make dreams come true.

Dayton Teen's Wish to Go Overseas Gets Granted

Dayton teen and heart transplant recipient Payton Herres had her dream come true when Make-A-Wish® granted her wish to travel overseas. The heartfelt reveal, shared with family and friends, celebrated her strength, hope, and unshakable spirit after all she has overcome. Surrounded by love and community support, Payton’s journey reminds others that dreams can take you anywhere — even across the world.

Donate Life Ohio: Stories of Hope – Recipient: Payton’s Story

Born with Ebstein’s Anomaly, Payton received a life-saving heart transplant at age 11 — a moment that changed her life forever. Now thriving as a young adult, she continues to honor her donor by sharing her journey and advocating for organ donation awareness. Payton’s story reminds others that the gift of life makes milestones possible — from getting a driver’s license to simply living without fear. Her courage and gratitude inspire hope in every heartbeat.

The Independent – “An organ donor gave her his heart. But now she can’t afford the life-saving medicines to keep it beating”

The UK’s Independentshares Payton’s story of resilience and advocacy. After receiving a donor heart at age 11, she now faces the devastating challenge of affording the immunosuppressant medications that keep it beating. The article explores her battle with insurance denial, the emotional toll of fighting for her health, and her determination to raise awareness about organ donation and the urgent need for accessible transplant care.

FOCUS Online – 25-Year-Old with Donor Heart Can No Longer Afford the Medication That Keeps It Beating

Germany’s FOCUS Online shares Payton’s story — a young woman who received a heart transplant at age 11 and now faces the devastating reality of being unable to afford the medications that keep her donor heart alive. The article highlights her strength, determination, and the urgent need for accessible healthcare for all transplant recipients.

A Heart Donated, Then Denied: Anthem's Policy Sparks Outrage

In “A Heart Donated, Then Denied: Anthem’s Policy Sparks Outrage,” TrialSite News exposes how a heart transplant recipient’s insurance company, Anthem, refused to cover critical, life-sustaining medication despite its proven necessity. Though coverage was later reinstated under pressure, Anthem’s raised copay put the patient at serious risk — a wrenching reminder of how policy decisions can endanger even those who’ve already received the gift of life.

Restaurants Malta – Heartfelt Generosity and the Cost of Survival

This Malta-based feature amplifies Payton’s journey: at 11 she received a donor heart, but today, she struggles to afford critical medications after her insurer denied coverage. Thanks to public outcry, the decision was reversed — yet her copays skyrocketed, forcing reliance on discount coupons and uncertain support. The article also weaves in Malta’s health-conscious Mediterranean food culture, linking lifestyle, access, and care in a unified message.

The Independent - Ohio Mom Gave Her Son's Heart - Now She's Fighting to Keep It Beating

In this Independent feature, reporter Rhian Lubin follows the shared journey of Payton and her donor’s mom, Mary Cutter. Thirteen years after Mary donated her only son Christian’s heart, the two speak together about the terror of Payton’s everolimus being declared “not medically necessary,” the spike in costs that left her relying on coupons, and Mary’s offer to help pay so Christian’s heart can keep beating. The story also highlights Payton’s petition to get everolimus formally approved for heart transplants so other patients aren’t put at the same risk.

Local Woman Who Got Heart Transplant As Kid Says Insurance Company Denied Her Medication

This WHIO feature follows Payton, who received a donor heart at 11 and recently saw her insurer deny the anti-rejection medication that keeps her alive. After public outcry, coverage was restored — but her copays soared, leaving her dependent on coupons and community support to afford the drug she needs to survive.

She Got a New Heart. Then, Her Insurance Declined to Cover Medication She Says Keeps Her Alive

In this WCPO 9 feature, reporter Keith BieryGolick shares how Payton’s fight for coverage of her anti-rejection medication collides with a deeply personal milestone: meeting her donor’s mom, Mary, in person for the first time. The story follows Mary hearing her son Christian’s heartbeat in a teddy bear, the fear of losing him “all over again” if Payton can’t access everolimus, and their shared determination to push for change so other transplant patients aren’t put in the same danger.