Preschoolers Who Battled Cancer Together In Hospital Reunite As Both Enter Remission

Aug 13, 2021 by apost team

A pair of 3-year-olds who battled cancer together have been reunited now that they both have entered remission. Mack Porter met Payson Altice at Phoenix Children’s Hospital in 2021 while they were both fighting cancer. After a few weeks spent apart, both are in remission and, as of July 2021, out of the hospital. In late July, the soon-to-be preschoolers reunited.

When they first met up, Mack greeted Payson with flowers. Then the pair shared a sweet hug that would melt anyone's heart. The two happy children danced together and Mack showed Payson how to twirl around. They played with toys that the boy spent most of the morning picking out. He said he wanted to be sure he brought toys that Payson would like. Mack sounds incredibly sweet and thoughtful for being such a young child and having been through so much. 

Mack was diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) in January 2021. He met Payson at the hospital while she was there fighting B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The two 3-year-olds bonded over their love for “Peppa Pig” at first, and later, Payson introduced Mack to the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.”

Now that they are both in remission, the children will be starting preschool in the fall. It is such a blessing to see them get to move on with their lives, and it’s even more special to see them do it together. We hope they continue to have plenty of playdates now that they are outside of hospital walls. Keep reading to hear more about these two strong children and their very special reunion. 

Going through something as serious as cancer would cause any child to grow up fast, especially because they have to be brave. "That was a blessing to just watch our children be children." Mack’s mother, Danielle Porter, told ABC World News Tonight after seeing the two kids reunite.

Danielle also told Today Parents that little Mack's first question each morning while the kids were apart was: "When can I play with Payson?" It is clear that going through such hard times bonded the children together and we hope that bond lasts for a very long time.

Tracey Altice, Payson’s mother, opened up about how people can learn a lot from children, especially from the way they handle difficult situations. "During these scary and hard times," she said, "no matter, what just look to the children because they’ll lead the way."

The story has been shared by multiple national news stations and many people have been moved by these preschoolers’ stories. One person commented on the footage of their reunion, “Step-by-step together. There's strength in that. — Peace. Be safe.” Another person wrote, “I am overjoyed that these families can go on living their lives now. These kids will likely share a special bond throughout their lives.”

This story has become a source of hope and inspiration for many. On Facebook, another person reacted to the video, writing: "Just when you start to believe there is no hope left, a couple of kids make you believe that there is." Young Mack and Payson’s uplifting story will continue to touch hearts as they grow up and hopefully remain friends.

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Did you enjoy the video of these preschoolers reuniting? Let us know. And if you were moved by this story, pass it on to your loved ones so they can also feel inspired.