Contact
Email: contact@paytonsraceforacure.com
Mailing address:
Payton's Race for a Cure
PO Box 58
Lowell, MI 49331
Board Bios:
Michelle DeWitt – Chairman of the Board
mdewitt@paytonsraceforacure.com
I co-founded Payton's Race for a Cure in honor of my daughter, Payton, in the spring of 2009. Mitochondrial Disease is a vicious animal that preys not only on the innocent, but on the family as a whole. As a mother I felt I had two options, I could either cry about the hand our family was dealt or I could stand up and fight. In order to fight a good fight against Mitochondrial Disease I have made it my mission to promote awareness and research regarding the disease in hopes of one day seeing a cure.
Andrea Maxim – Vice-Chairman of the Board/Treasurer
amaxim@paytonsraceforacure.com
Until a few years ago, I was unaware of the severity of Mitochondrial Disease and the toll that it can take. I have had the honor of watching Payton grow and develop, and have witnessed firsthand the difficult battle for her entire family. The struggles these innocent children and unsuspecting adults face are horrific and heartbreaking. Upon seeing them, I vowed to further educate myself and devote my time to promoting awareness and advocating for victims such as Payton. This is what prompted me to become a co-founder of Payton's Race for a Cure. My ultimate goal is to hear that one day a cure has been found.
Jessica Maxim – Director/Board Secretary
jmaxim@paytonsraceforacure.com
Until I met Payton and her family, I was unaware of Mitochondrial Disease. After developing a friendship with her family, I began to study the severity of it. It has been hard to witness this as an outsider, knowing that Payton and many others have neither a cure or medical improvements for the disease. As I have watched Payton over the past several years, I have become more interested and devoted to both her and her battle. I have made it my goal and mission to help raise money to help find a cure and to make people aware of Mitochondrial Disease.
Melissa Quesada – Director/Web Administrator
mquesada@paytonsraceforacure.com
I met Payton's mother, Michelle, at work. It wasn't long after that I was told of the hardships her daughter experienced due to a disease I had never before heard of - Mitochondrial Disease. After learning the details of the struggles that Payton and her family endured, and the heart that this family had, I became a lifelong advocate for awareness and research. I volunteered at the 1st annual charity race, and I haven't been the same since. Anyone within ear shot of me will learn what Mito is and that they should attend an event! Michelle also approached me to see if I would help her to develop a website for Payton's Race for a Cure and of course I said YES! Thankfully I have friends that are web savvy and could help me to develop what I had envisioned. Please fight by our side, be their voice, and race with us to find a cure!
Jenni Bosscher – Director
jbosscher@paytonsraceforacure.com
I had never heard of Mitochondrial Disease until Payton was diagnosed with it. After watching the struggles that her and her family went through, I felt compelled to help them and others living with the disease. I am honored that I get a chance to help such a beautiful and strong person. I hope that the efforts of Payton's Race for a Cure will make a positive impact on the families dealing with Mitochondrial Disease and help find a cure. Payton is an amazing girl and I am blessed to know her and her family.
Tameron Hough – Director
though@paytonsraceforacure.com
Payton is my niece so I take a personal interest in the awareness and fight regarding Mitochondrial Disease. Throughout the years I have watched her fragile medical condition constantly compromised and I have seen the toll it has taken on not only Payton, but also her family. In honor of Payton, I pledge to continue to offer my support to the Mitochondrial Community.
Bonnie Melnik – Director
bmelnik@paytonsraceforacure.com
I have worked in the accounting field for 16 years. I hadn't heard of Mito until Payton's birth in 2005. Payton's mom, Michelle, and I worked together. I watched her experience a healthy normal pregnancy and delivery of her beautiful daughter, Payton. I also witnessed the struggle Payton and her family experienced with this rare disease. I want to join them to learn more about Mito, spread awareness, and to help find a cure.
