Avery Slaymaker got to hang with the Warsaw softball team last Wednesday. The team raised over $1,600 for the Slaymaker family in support of Payton Slaymaker, who is fighting cancer. Photos courtesy Kerry Ousley

By Mike Deak
InkFreeNews

WARSAW – Warsaw softball was deliberate in its support for Payton Slaymaker, and were able to hopefully help put a dent in the Slaymaker fight.

On April 14, Warsaw hosted a “Fear Is A Liar Night” as a support event for the Slaymaker family. Payton is dealing with an aggressive form of cancer called diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a debilitating brain tumor that sits on the brain stem. It’s most found in children between 4-11 years of age, and Payton is 10. The cancer has rendered Payton to constant care, and is considered inoperable. The Slaymaker family, parents Andrew and Kim, as well as 7-year-old sister Avery, have been caring for Payton for over a year.

In an effort to help diffuse some of the cost burden with the care for Payton, Warsaw softball’s event surrounded its game with Fort Wayne Carroll last Wednesday. The team contributed $250 in gate total along with $1,390 in donations – which included ‘Fear Is A Liar’ T-shirt sales. Avery also was invited to hang with the team before the game and threw out the first pitch.

The $1,640 will go to the Slaymaker family to help with incurring bills and costs.

While it won’t curb the difficulty immersing the Slaymaker family, the team was more than happy to help in any way they could.

“It was nice to see the Warsaw softball team and the community come together to help Payton’s fight and spread her message,” said Warsaw softball assistant coach Brian Barger. “Fear is a Liar. Special thanks to Kali Ousley and her family for coordinating the event.”