Peyton's Dream

If you ask any of the staff at Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte about Peyton, their eyes will immediately light up. They’ll tell you about the witty, kind, intelligent, outgoing 15 year old they’ve gotten to know over the years. Peyton has been no stranger to the hospital in his life, as he has been living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Peyton has been in a position that most of us cannot fathom: he’s acutely aware that his time is limited. With a body that has physically been betraying him, and a mind sharp as ever, he has committed to living his life to the fullest.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a rare genetic disorder diagnosed in early childhood. Those living with the disorder experience muscle weakness and degeneration due to an alteration of the protein dystrophin that works to keep muscle cells healthy. A child with DMD will progressively lose the function of their muscles and ultimately the heart and respiratory muscles are affected.

As Peyton has gotten older, his muscles have continued to weaken. He loves Legos and playing games on Xbox, but due to losing hand function, he hasn’t been able to enjoy some of his favorite hobbies. He has sustained his positive attitude with the help of his amazing sense of humor and loving family and friends. Peyton is a huge NASCAR fan, and his sports hero is driver Chase Elliott. In partnership with the Elliott Family and Hendrick Motorsports, Dream On 3 is honored to give Peyton a dream come true. He will meet and spend time with Chase at his shop in Charlotte, and other surprises will be in store for this incredible and inspiring young man.