Compassion knows no limit; it has no age and is not defined by ability, which is never truer than with our good friend Peyton. 

Peyton is an extraordinary and kind individual who, at just 14 years old, has made a significant impact in Colorado and changed the lives of many people and pets, including the animals at the Dumb Friends League San Luis Valley Animal Center in Alamosa.

Introducing Peyton

Peyton was born with a rare disease called Neurofibromatosis, which causes tumors to grow on nerves in the body. He is legally blind from tumors on his optic nerves and has lost the ability to walk after a tumor was discovered on his brainstem in 2015. Peyton’s mother said that “the one thing the tumors have not taken from him is his mind. Although he’s essentially ‘trapped’ in a body that doesn’t cooperate, his mind is fully engaged and unaffected by the brutality of the tumors.”

All this is enough to test any individual’s drive, and while it is a part of Peyton’s life, it’s not what makes the young man so special. It’s Peyton’s determination and drive that makes him stand out from his peers. 

Peyton is an entrepreneur who runs a hugely successful lemonade stand that has raised nearly $20,000 for charitable organizations, including the Dumb Friends League San Luis Valley Animal Center. 

When asked about Peyton, his mother Sheila said, “For most, losing this much independence could potentially take a devastating toll on the mind and spirit. However, for Peyton, through all of these challenges and more, his spirit and soul remain undaunted.”

 In addition to his lemonade stand, Peyton started a business making greeting cards, and with help from his mother, he writes unique messages on these cards using braille. He has named the company Inspirational Notes, and for every card sold, Peyton donates $1 to charity. 

“We are so grateful that Peyton has chosen the League as one of his charities. His generous spirit and determination inspire our staff and volunteers,” said Vice President of Development and Marketing, Laurie Peterson. “It’s stories like these that make the work we do possible.”

Help Peyton help homeless pets

Peyton will be at the grand opening of the Dumb Friends League San Luis Valley Animal Center on March 25 at 1 p.m. To adhere to health and safety guidelines, we will be hosting the event as a Facebook Live on the Dumb Friends League Facebook page. 

Peyton will be offering sales at his lemonade stand and donating the proceeds to the shelter. To make an even more significant impact, we’d like to invite you to help Peyton raise money by donating here.

“Peyton Sanchez is a role model for all teens” said San Luis Valley Animal Center Shelter Manager, Jennifer Thomas.  “His determination and compassion for all things living is something we should all strive for every day. He makes the world a better place.”

Your donations will help support the care of pets and shine a bright light on the work of an incredible young man.