by michael | Oct 15, 2024
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Getting ready for performance on FOX to promote an appearance for the Payton Wright Foundation gala.
IT ALL STARTED WHEN…
In early 2006, three-year-old Payton Wright began complaining of a pain in her knee. Thinking that it was nothing more than growing pains, her parents, Holly and Patrick, took her to the doctor, who told them the pain would probably go away on its own. When it persisted, the Wrights were told that it was probably juvenile arthritis or perhaps diskitis.
After a few weeks with no improvement, Dr. Bob Morelli, the ER doctor at All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, FL ordered an MRI. On May 17, 2006, just weeks after her 4th birthday, Payton was diagnosed with cancer when the MRI revealed a tumor on her spine and pelvis. Always concerned for others, Payton looked at her worried father as she was wheeled into her first surgery and said, “Don’t worry, Dad. It’s gonna be a good day.” Payton fought her entire battle with the attitude that every day was going to be a good one.
The doctors determined that Payton had Medulloepithelioma, a very rare form of brain cancer, and one for which there was no treatment protocol and very little hope for recovery. First at All Children’s and later at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC, doctors pieced together Payton’s treatment, which included intense rounds of chemotherapy and radiation.
In August of 2006, Payton was paralyzed from the waist down due to the tumor’s compression of her spine. She received as much radiation as a human body can tolerate, but the tumor continued to grow. Payton continued to fight, and she was able to graduate with her preschool class in May of 2007. However, the cancer continued to spread, and on May 29, 2007, Payton passed away at the age of 5.
Patrick and Holly Wright saw how courageously their daughter fought, and they promised her that they would never stop fighting. The Payton Wright Foundation was created both in Payton’s memory and with her fighting spirit so that children with brain cancer will know that “it’s gonna be a good day!”
Members of the Wright family kept a blog during Payton’s Journey. You can read all of the posts here:
Payton’s Journey – The blog Payton’s mom kept during her treatment and after her death.
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by michael | Nov 22, 2023
by michael | Sep 10, 2023
What began as a small cocktail party with around 100 expected guests quickly turned into a sold-out event, with nearly 400 RSVPs flooding in after news of Michael Israel’s live performance spread. The overwhelming response prompted a last-minute move to the grand ballroom, and due to the electric atmosphere, Michael was invited back for two encore shows!
This spectacular evening was just the first of three events in support of The Pap Corps Champions for Cancer Research and their partnership with the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. These funds will directly support cutting-edge research and treatments that are saving lives every day.
The Pap Corps’ rich history dates back over six decades, rooted in the work of Dr. George Papanicolaou, a pioneer in cancer detection and the creator of the Pap smear. From its humble beginnings in 1952, The Pap Corps has grown into a powerful force, raising vital funds for cancer research and treatment across all forms of cancer.
Michael Israel’s live speed-painting performance mesmerized the audience, bringing together art and philanthropy in a way that left a lasting impact. With the passion of The Pap Corps and the generosity of those in attendance, this event series has helped move the needle forward in the fight against cancer.
The Pap Corps’ History
The Pap Corps’ rich history extends six decades. Learn about The Pap Corps inspiration, early roots and its partnership with the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.
In 1928, Dr. George Papanicolaou, a pioneer in early cancer detection, introduced the world to a technique used to diagnose cervical cancer that he called “the Pap smear”. In 1952, he convinced the National Cancer Institute to conduct a massive trial using his Pap smear technique.
Also, in 1952, a small group of courageous cancer cure activists driven by the lack of early detection and treatment of cancer, formed a group whose single goal was to raise money for the Dade County Cancer Institute. The NCI trials continued and eventually led to the Pap Test, which saved countless women’s lives. At the same time, the cancer activists continued raising funds for researchers to fight all types of cancer at what had become the Miami Cancer Research Institute. In 1961, Dr. Papanicolaou was invited to Miami to lead and develop the Institute which was renamed the Papanicolaou Cancer Research Institute in 1962. The cancer activists formally became The Papanicolaou Women’s Corps and are now known as The Pap Corps Champions for Cancer Research.
