A Gilbert man's indomitable spirit is seeing a community rally on his behalf. Dayton Hayward, 27, who has been living with Cerebral Palsy, has not only completed more than 20 races, including prestigious events like the Boston Marathon and Ironman marathons, but he has done so with a family and community firmly by his side. Yet, as reported by 12News, participating in these races and daily life has grown more challenging due to a lack of wheelchair-accessible transportation.
The Hayward family is pushing to fund a wheelchair-accessible van for Dayton, which carries a price tag of $80,000. Through diligent fundraising efforts, including a GoFundMe campaign, they have amassed over $60,000. "He needs help with all his things, but I don't want him to just sit at home and he doesn't want to sit at home," Sherrine Hayward, Dayton's mother, told 12News in a recent interview.
This need for an accessible van was highlighted by ABC15, which shared the Hayward family's challenges and their determination to overcome them. Dayton's story is not just about mobility; it's about enabling him to maintain his active lifestyle and participation in family and community life.
Achieving the target fund for the van would signify more than just a vehicle; it would offer independence and continued engagement in the meaningful pursuit of racing and community involvement for Dayton. "The first time I recognized Dayton could see was on a walk when he was a baby," Sherrine recounted. "He just loves to be outside. So that's what we do," an affirmation of the drive that propels both Dayton and his family, told 12News. The sentiments shared by the family resonate with the greater Gilbert community, spurring support for a man who represents the resilience and heart of his hometown.
The Haywards expressed gratitude for the community's support thus far and remain hopeful in reaching their funding goal, inviting others to watch the full story via ABC15 and contribute to the ongoing GoFundMe campaign to help Dayton conquer this latest hurdle.
