3-year-old BFFs who battled cancer together and ar now in remission share a sweet reunion outside of the hospital
Two three-year-old best friends who fought cancer together finally had the chance to enjoy an adorable reunion outside the hospital.
Both Payson Altice and Mack Porter were being treated for different forms of cancer at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. At the hospital, the pair became inseparable.
However, after the children were sent home earlier this summer, they spent weeks away from one another. Luckily, their parents knew how valuable their friendship is to them and arranged a sweet reunion, as noted by Daily Mail.
YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND IN ME!
Best friends Macky & Payson are so happy see each other for the 1st time outside the hospital walls❤️😭
Macky is in remission from Stage 3 Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma.
(🎥Macky.strong)#childhoodcancerawareness#mackystrongpic.twitter.com/SUJp2A11Q6— GoodNewsCorrespondent (@GoodNewsCorres1) August 10, 2021
Little Payson was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia weeks after her third birthday in September 2020. Her best pal, Mack, was diagnosed with Stage 3 Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma this January. Although they were both treated at the same hospital, they were isolated most of the time due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Traci Barrett, Payson’s mom, told Today:
“Payson was so isolated. It was so hard to meet people because of the pandemic. She was asking for new toys every five minutes.”
“And then Mack came along!”
Payson’s mom was incredibly grateful that her baby girl found a real friend in the face of Mack.
Dani Porter, Mack’s mom, said:
“I just knew Mack would like her.”
Not long after their first meeting, Payson and Mack started playing together all the time. They have also bonded over their mutual love for Peppa Pig and taught one another things about dancing and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Thankfully, the adorable BFFs have gone into remission, and doctors allowed them to return home. However, during the weeks they spent apart, they sincerely missed each other’s company. Ms. Porter shared:
“Every morning, his first question was, ‘When can I play with Payson?'”
When the pair finally got to meet outside the hospital, their parents captured the touching moment as Mack gave Payson a bouquet of flowers, and they shared a warm, friendly hug.
Later, they were captured showing off their best dance moves, looking happier than ever.
Mack’s mom told ABC News:
“That was a blessing to just watch our children be children.”
Payson’s mom added:
“During these scary and hard times, no matter what, just look to the children because they’ll lead the way.”
The best friend duo has continued to meet up for playdates. Both are now excited to start preschool this fall.
You can support Payson and Mack via their GoFundMe pages:
- Mack: Help Mack Fight Cancer
- Payson: Let’s Help Payson Beat Leukemia
