Community-wide effort to save a little girl

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Thousands were in Lakewood Ranch this weekend for the 5K run for 4-year-old Payton Wright.

Thousands of Manatee and Sarasota County residents took part in Payton's Party in Lakewood Ranch this weekend.

The event was organized to raise money for 4-year-old Payton Wright who has a rare form of brain cancer.

Many people laced up their running shoes and geared up the strollers for a 5-K run or walk in Lakewood Ranch.

"It's just an overwhelming feeling to know that not just 100 people came out, thousands came out today," mother Holly Wright said.

Wright said the past few months have not only been emotionally draining, but financially, too.

"The money is just unbelievable what we've spent with the treatment," Wright said.

So, to help out, some of the Wright's friends decided to throw a party to raise money for the family. The party got larger and larger as more residents and businesses decided to chip in.

"It's nice to know that there's a lot of people out there that still care about their neighbors and they're willing to come out and show their support," race director Kristen York said.

Family friend Deb Gambino used to watch Payton weekly. She said it's been tough on the family, but Payton's strength is giving them all hope.

"It was quick how it all happened," Gambino said. "She's a very fun loving little girl, has a lot of energy, very strong spirit and even everything that she's been through. You can see that she's staying strong."

However, Payton wasn't well enough to attend this year.

"Everybody came out for Payton and our family and they're all supporting us and they're, you know, we're gonna get Payton better because everybody was here for us today," Wright said.

Payton Wright has a rare form of brain cancer.

Proceeds raised at Saturday's event will help Payton's family pay for medical bills. However, organizers plan to make Payton's Party an annual event and future fundings will benefit childhood cancer research.

Payton's Party is one of several events taking part to raise money for the girl's treatment. Earlier this week, a golf tournament was held and a local hair salon gave a day's worth of haircuts for donations.

TV sports broadcaster Dick Vitale is hosting a dinner party at his house in Lakewood Ranch to raise money for Payton.

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