PAYTON’S LEGACY SHINES ON: HONORING A COURAGEOUS TEEN’S BATTLE AGAINST BRAIN CANCER

By Kathy L. Collins

Recently, major improvements were made at the Children’s Home Network main campus in Tampa. The renovations were funded with $1.6 million in the form of a Community Block Grant from Hillsborough County through a Community Development Block Grant.

The completion of the three projects will help improve the lives of foster children.

The projects are centered around Kids Village, the Children’s Home Network’s residential healing program for children ages 6-17. The program, located on the main campus of the Children’s Home Network, provides a place for more than 60 children to recover from abuse and neglect.

Thanks to the funding from the Community Block Grant, the Children’s Home Network was able to build a new Donation Center and maintenance building at the Kids Village campus and upgrade the security system.

The Children’s Home Network’s Dona- tion Center enables foster youth living at the on-campus Kids Village to regain a sense of normalcy, independence and self-confidence. From clothes and shoes to self-care and hygiene items, school supplies and room decor, the Donation Center helps youth in foster care feel more at home and comfortable with themselves during a time of major upheaval. The Donation Center is arranged to look like a store, and children can shop for their own styles, sizes and preferences. The shopping experience strives to spark joy and restore a sense of dignity, allowing children to pick out their own belongings to make their living environment a warm, cozy and personal space. The center is stafed and open to all children on campus who are welcome to take whatever they need, whenever they need it.

The funding also provided for new security door readers. The children are particularly vulnerable, and many come from homes with a history of abuse and trafficking. These necessary upgrades to the campus’ safety system provide an extra layer of security for children and staf

The maintenance building is the headquarters for all repair and storage work on the sprawling campus that includes more than 50 air conditioning units, 15 washers and dryers and a dozen vehicles. For information, visit www.childrenshomenetwork.org.

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In the face of adversity, one unwavering teenager’s remarkable spirit and determination continues to inspire countless others. Payton Hardy, a vibrant 15-year-old, bravely fought against glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer, during her battle that began in October 2021. Today, she lives on through Payton’s Legacy, a nonprofit organization committed to uplifting young individuals by fostering programs in arts and education.

When Payton underwent an MRI in late September 2021 at John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital of Tampa Bay, the call back delivered heart-wrenching news to her family: They had found a malignant tumor.

In the face of uncertainty, Payton displayed amazing strength as she prepared for the long journey of treatment ahead. Despite her long battle with sickness, her determination and passion for music and academics continued to shine brightly. Payton’s love for the arts extended beyond music; she pursued dance classes in tap and contemporary at Dance Quest International and became the lighting designer in Armwood High School’s theater department. Academic excellence was also a hallmark of Payton’s life, as she achieved straight A’s and set her sights on graduating in 2024 with an associate degree in arts and her high school diploma.

Tragically, in January 2023, Payton’s journey reached its end. She left her loving family and community grieving the loss of an extraordinary person. However, through

By Keiko Moral

Payton’s Legacy, an organization founded by her family — mother Cynde Hardy, sister Hayley Hardy and father Steve Hardy — they honor her memory and carry forward her mission.

Payton’s Legacy empowers youth by enhancing access to arts and education programs. Its heartfelt, deeply personal eforts include donating 399 toy girafes — Payton’s favorite animal — and bringing comfort to children at local hospitals. Additionally, it established an annual band scholarship, providing aspiring musicians with opportunities to pursue their dreams. The organization aims to assist underprivileged children in afording dance lessons with the aim of inclusivity and artistic expression, as well as the continuation of creative endeavors that Payton cherished, ensuring that her memory lives on even after she is gone. Looking ahead, the nonprofit is excited to announce the purchase of a lighting board for Armwood High and upcoming events, where the community can come together to celebrate Payton and contribute to the organization.

“We always knew Payton was going to change the world, but now we have to keep going in her honor,” said Steve, co-founder of Payton’s Legacy.

To contribute to, support or learn more about Payton’s Legacy, visit www.paytonslegacy.org.