A homecoming celebration was held for Payton Sernick on Saturday afternoon at the DQ Grill and Chill restaurant in Estevan.
Payton is a young Estevan resident who has twice beaten cancer. She served as the 2018 Saskatchewan ambassador for the Champions Program for the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan.
She was able to do a lot to promote and fundraise for the foundation, even though she spent the year battling cancer for the second time.
The Sernick family returned to Estevan just before Christmas after spending a year away while Payton received her cancer treatment.
A large crowd was at the restaurant on Saturday to greet Payton and welcome the family back to Estevan.
Sash Broda from the hospital foundation said it was great to see so many people in attendance. And while Payton had a challenging year during her tenure as Saskatchewan’s ambassador, he marvelled at her toughness.
“I just want you to know that to me, you are the champion,” said Broda. “You are so tough and so strong, I honestly don’t think there’s anything you can’t do now.”
The people in attendance enjoyed cake and a chance to visit with Payton.
Payton said it feels good to be back in Estevan. She has enjoyed returning to classes at Sacred Heart School/Ecole Sacre Coeur. She is also back with the Drewitz School of Dance and seeing her friends and family again.
Next week’s edition of the Mercury will have more on this story.
