National Payton Slaymaker Day

National Payton Slaymaker Day is observed each year on March 11. This day honors the memory and legacy of a young girl from Indiana who became a national symbol of courage following her diagnosis of a rare and aggressive brain cancer. The date of March 11 was chosen because it was the day in 2021 that her home community officially designated in her honor, exactly one month before she reached a significant milestone in her health journey.

History of National Payton Slaymaker Day

The history of this day is tied to the life of Payton Slaymaker, a fourth-grade student from Claypool, Indiana, who was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) in 2019 at the age of eight. DIPG is a highly aggressive, inoperable tumor found in the brainstem, primarily affecting children. Despite a prognosis that gave her only months to live, Payton and her family chose to face the illness with a public display of faith and positivity, sharing her journey through social media. Her mantra, “Fear is a Liar,” inspired by a contemporary Christian song, resonated with millions of people who followed her story across the United States.

Following her passing in April 2021 at the age of ten, her family and local community leaders worked to establish a permanent day of recognition. The goal was to transform a personal tragedy into a national movement for change. By creating a dedicated day on the calendar, supporters aimed to ensure that Payton’s “feisty” spirit and her message of resilience would continue to inspire others. The day serves as a formal vehicle to continue the work she started: bringing light to the struggles of families dealing with pediatric cancer and advocating for those who feel overwhelmed by their circumstances.

Why is National Payton Slaymaker Day important?

The primary importance of this day is to raise urgent awareness for DIPG research. Because this specific form of cancer is relatively rare, it is significantly underfunded compared to other types of the disease. National Payton Slaymaker Day highlights the fact that the survival rate for DIPG has remained largely unchanged for decades, emphasizing the need for new medical breakthroughs and clinical trials. By putting a human face on the statistics, the holiday compels the public and lawmakers to prioritize pediatric brain tumor research.

Beyond the medical focus, the day is important for its emphasis on community solidarity and the power of a positive mindset. Payton’s story serves as a case study in how one individual’s perspective can influence a global audience. The observance encourages people to adopt her “Fear is a Liar” philosophy when facing their own life challenges, whether they are health-related or personal. It validates the emotional experience of grieving families while providing a structured way for the public to offer support through charitable giving and acts of kindness.

• DIPG is a rare pediatric brain cancer that currently has no known cure.
• The holiday honors Payton’s refusal to let her illness stop her from singing and dancing.
• Most of the funds raised on this day go directly to pediatric cancer research foundations.
• It provides a platform for families of “DIPG warriors” to connect and share resources.
• The day promotes the “Fear is a Liar” message to help others find spiritual strength.

How to Observe National Payton Slaymaker Day

Observing this day often involves participating in local or digital fundraisers dedicated to childhood cancer research. Many supporters wear yellow or gold—the official colors for pediatric cancer awareness—or sport apparel featuring Payton’s signature slogans. Donating to organizations such as The Cure Starts Now or the ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation is a common and practical way to honor her legacy. These contributions help fund the very research that Payton’s family continues to advocate for in her memory.

On a more personal level, people celebrate by performing simple acts of kindness to mirror Payton’s gentle nature. This can include “sharing a smile” with strangers, helping a neighbor, or volunteering at a local children’s hospital. Families often use the day to educate themselves and others about the symptoms of brain tumors in children, such as balance issues or vision changes, to encourage early detection. Whether through a silent prayer or a public post sharing her story, the day is meant to spread the same warmth and joy that Payton was known for during her life.

• Wear gold or yellow clothing to signal support for pediatric cancer patients.
• Donate to a reputable charity that specifically funds DIPG medical research.
• Share Payton’s story on social media to increase global awareness of the disease.
• Perform a random act of kindness for someone in your local community.
• Educate others about the “Fear is a Liar” philosophy to encourage resilience.

National Payton Slaymaker Day Dates Table