Peyton’s Legacy
Peyton was more than just our son—he was a light in this world. From the moment he entered our lives, his sharp wit and boundless curiosity made every day an adventure. He was the kid who could make anyone laugh, the one who saw every challenge as an opportunity, and who cared deeply for others. He excelled in school, consistently scoring in the top 1% on tests, but what made him truly special was his kindness. He volunteered as a mentor, dedicating his time to helping special education students as a PIP Pal, showing them the same compassion and love he showed us every day.
Peyton’s love for science, space, and animals was only matched by his love for soccer and video games—where he was always quick to teach anyone how to play. He was our brilliant, funny, and caring boy who brought endless joy to his family, whether it was through playing board games, cracking jokes, or simply sitting with us as we talked about the stars and the universe.
On November 28, 2022, our world changed forever when Peyton was diagnosed with Diffuse Midline Glioma at the age of 12. He faced his diagnosis with more bravery than we ever could have imagined. He endured radiation treatments and even participated in a clinical trial—not just for himself, but for the children who would face this battle after him. Peyton’s fight wasn’t just for his own life; it was for all the kids who might one day find themselves in his shoes.
As the cancer progressed, it took so much from him. He lost his ability to walk, to talk, to eat, to drink, and eventually, to breathe. But through all of that, cancer never took Peyton’s spirit. He remained the same incredible person he always was—bright, compassionate, and determined to bring joy to those around him.
Peyton fought for a year and two days before passing away at the age of 13 on November 30,2023. While his body gave out, his legacy continues to live on. There’s a bench at his middle school where students can sit and reflect, and the Peyton Valiquette Award is given each year to a PIP Pal student who embodies his spirit of inclusion, compassion, and fun. Every year on his birthday, we honor him by blessing another family going through a similar battle—because that’s what Peyton would have wanted.
And of course, his greatest legacy is Peyton’s Paillote, the building he helped fund through his Make-A-Wish to support Jonathan’s House orphanage in Africa. Even in the face of his own pain, Peyton’s heart was set on making the world a better place for others.
Peyton’s cancer journey was heart-wrenching, but his courage, kindness, and resilience never wavered. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the kindness he spread, and the love he showed. We continue to honor him, not just in memory but in action—through the causes he believed in and the spirit he left behind.
In his name, we ask that you consider donating to charities that help cancer patients and their families or fund critical research. Peyton’s light never faded—it shines on, through every act of kindness done in his honor. Let’s keep that light alive, together.
Peyton loved music and had a beautiful voice! This video captures a moment of pure love for music as Peyton sings his beautiful rendition of “Hallelujah.” Even in the face of his battle with cancer, Peyton’s spirit remained bright and his love for life never wavered. His voice carries the same grace and strength that he showed every day. We are so grateful to have this recording of him doing what he loved, and we hope it brings as much light to you as it has to our family. This is Peyton, sharing his heart with the world, just as he always did.
Our Donation Story
Peyton was an incredibly selfless person, always thinking of others before himself, even in the most difficult of times. As we neared the end of his journey, we knew there was one more way he could continue to make a difference. We wanted to do whatever we could to help stop other families from experiencing the heartbreak of losing a child to Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG) and to give researchers the tools they need to find a cure for this devastating disease.
The decision to donate Peyton’s brain tissue and tumor wasn’t easy, but it was never in question. We knew it was what Peyton would have wanted—to help other children, even after his own battle had ended. Though the thought of the process was painful, it gave us hope to think that Peyton’s fight could help prevent other children from going through what he did.
We are incredibly thankful to Gift from a Child for guiding us through this emotional process. Their compassion and respect for Peyton and our family made all the difference, and we are forever grateful for the way they handled everything with such care.
Peyton’s legacy lives on through this donation, and we hold onto the hope that it will one day contribute to a cure for DMG and spare future families from this unbearable pain.
