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Payton Sernick enjoys her homecoming bash

Sash Broda says he has become a big fan of Payton Sernick.

Sash Broda says he has become a big fan of Payton Sernick.

Judging by the number of people who were at a homecoming celebration for Payton at the Estevan DQ Grill and Chill on Saturday, he isn’t the only one who has become very fond of the 10-year-old Estevan resident.

Broda, the provincial engagement manager for the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan, was among those who attended the homecoming, which was organized by the foundation. Those in attendance enjoyed cake and a chance to visit with Payton and her family.

Payton was the 2018 Saskatchewan ambassador for the Champions Program for the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan. And while she was able to do a lot to promote the hospital and its fundraising efforts, much of her year was spent undergoing treatment for cancer.

Payton Sernick
Payton Sernick smiles while cutting cake at her homecoming event.

It’s the second time she has fought, and beaten, the disease.

That type of courage is something that Broda has come to admire in her.

“You didn’t have the best champion year, it’s obviously not the way you wanted it to go. But I want you to know that to me, you’re the champion,” he said. “You are so tough and so strong. I honestly don’t think there’s anything you can’t do now.”

When he saw videos of Payton, or when he heard her speak, Broda marvelled at her positive attitude and strength.

After his speech, Payton gave Broda a big hug.

Broda was glad to see that so many people turned out to show how proud they are of her.

“She is a super great, super tough kid, and I really just wanted to make sure that she felt celebrated now that her champion year is wrapped up for us and she’s back home,” said Broda.

Payton helped out with radiothon fundraisers and other initiatives to create funds for the hospital foundation. And she shared her story whenever possible, giving a face to the need for a children’s hospital in Saskatchewan.

The children’s hospital is about 87 per cent complete.

Payton said she is looking forward to when the children’s hospital will be finished, and she expects she will continue to find ways to support the children’s hospital. Before becoming the champion child, Payton had been an ambassador for the children’s hospital, and raised tens of thousands of dollars for the organization.

The Sernick family returned to Estevan just before Christmas, after spending nearly a year away from the city while Payton was receiving treatment for cancer. 

Since coming home, Payton has spent time with family and friends, has returned to classes at Sacred Heart School/Ecole Sacre Coeur, and has resumed her involvement with the Drewitz School of Dance.

The hospital foundation is very proud of her, and Broda said he doesn’t know if he has ever met a young person who has gone through so much at an early age, and still has such a great attitude.

“You meet her, and you would never know anything that has ever gone wrong.”

The new ambassador child for this year is Blake Wheeler, who spent the first 110 days of his life in the NIC. He has been an ambassador for a few years, and Broda said Blake has always been willing to share his story.