Payton was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in October 2010, shortly after her 3rd birthday. During that time, she had to endure numerous chemotherapy treatments and hospital stays at the University of Maryland Medical Center for several years.
Payton has been in remission for many years. 
As of Fall 2021, Payton is 14 and in eighth grade. She has an older sister and brother, both in college. She is active in softball, basketball and volleyball. She loves science and is learning to cook.
