Rooting for Remi

PORT CLINTON — Many traits define the true character of 3-year-old Remi Floro. For starters, he's funny and can make anyone chuckle, according to his mother, Payton Herevia. "Remi is a bright, hilarious, sassy little boy who keeps us all laughing," Payton said. He's also a big animal lover, particularly fond of cats, chickens and bunnies. "You'll rarely see him without one of his beloved stuffed animals, usually a kitten, and he's obsessed with Play-Doh, Bluey and his toy kitten," she said. And he's a well-versed explorer even at a young age. "He also loves space and can name all the planets in order from the sun. He's wildly intelligent, full of personality and has a love for life that's infectious," Payton said. "Despite everything he's going through, including long days stuck at home, his spirit remains strong, playful and full of light," Payton said. Warning signs arise In May, Payton began to notice bruises not only developing but lingering around Remi's body. "The bruises weren't going away," Payton said. "At first, I thought he was just an adventurous toddler — always outside, climbing, exploring — or maybe he had anemia like me," she said. "But then his face started swelling, and we noticed small freckle-like spots starting to appear on his face and belly. They turned red, petechiae (spots on the skin), a warning sign of a blood disorder." Payton relied on her mother/Remi's grandmother, Alycia Herevia, who has a medical background, for guidance. On June 18, Alycia took Remi to a local emergency room while Patyon, a hair stylist, worked. In just one moment, Payton worst fears materialized — and "our lives changed forever," she said. "I was pulled from my salon chair and met with the words no parent should ever have to hear: 'Your son has leukemia, and treatment starts now,'" Payton said. "It was shattering." Treating the diagnosis Doctors diagnosed Remi with T-cell leukemia. His body, in a nutshell, produces too many abnormal white blood cells in his bone marrow. This abnormality means he can't fight infections properly, and it can spread to other parts of the body, causing various health problems. "His case was aggressive and advanced, which meant we had to act fast," said Payton, who, after initially taking Remi to ProMedica Physicians Toledo Pediatrics, near their Port Clinton home, got transferred to Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus where his treatment began immediately. Fast-forward to early August, and Payton received results from his bone marrow biopsy, which showed no measurable leukemia — "a huge milestone that confirmed his induction treatment phase is working." "He has now entered the 'consolidation' phase, a more intense round of chemotherapy, six different kinds, aimed at destroying any lingering cancer cells that don't show up in tests," Payton said. Amid all this, Remi also continues to undergo physical therapy and needs to keep going for at least two years. "He spent several weeks in and out of the hospital, mostly lying in bed, which caused weakness in his legs and had difficulty walking," Payton said. "We're slowly helping him build that strength back at home." Because of all this, Remi's immune system "is extremely weak, a side effect of both leukemia and chemotherapy, which means, every day, germs could be dangerous," Payton said. "We've had to significantly limit outings, visits and playtime in public," Payton said. "We stay home almost all the time to protect him from exposure. It's isolating but necessary for his health." During the past three months, they have only left their Port Clinton home for necessary medical appointments or emergency procedures. For instance, earlier this week, Payton and Remi returned from Columbus where he underwent a chemotherapy treatment, an unexpected transfusion and required surgery. "A minor inconvenience with his labs sent us to infusion instead of a typical clinical visit," Payton said. "His hemoglobin was low, so they did a blood transfusion." Doctors estimate full recovery could take upward of three years. "This is a long journey, but we're committed to seeing it through," Payton said. 'He's my hero' While every day seemingly poses a new challenge, the beginning period truly tested Payton, Remi and all involved. "Emotionally, the early days were the hardest. I was completely broken, exhausted, heartbroken, scared," Payton said. As Remi's primary caretaker, Payton needs to watch her son on a 24/7 basis. To do this, she paused all of her obligations, be it personal or professional. "As a self-employed hairstylist at Halo Beauty Lounge in Sandusky, I don't receive paid leave or benefits," Payton said. "I've been by his side every single day. We take things one day at a time, sometimes one minute at a time." Payton said the "emotional and financial toll has been overwhelming." "People see the good moments, the smiles and small victories, but, behind the scenes, there are tears, meltdowns, sleepless nights and a kind of exhaustion I never knew existed," she said. "Some days, just surviving is a win." Payton, however, credits her support network — consisting of her mother, Remi's father, Drake Floro, and others — for providing her with needed moral support and more to get through this. Because of them, "I found the strength to show up for Remi," she said. "He needed a strong mom, and I vowed to be that for him." Through all of this, Remi's personality hasn't changed: He's still the curious boy who cracks jokes, makes people laugh and continues to wonder so his knowledge can grow. "Remi is the definition of strength in its purest form," Payton said. Even at just 3 years old, "He continues to face every challenge with a spirit that inspires everyone around him," she added. "Through every hospital stay, every needle, every meltdown and every hard day, he's shown a kind of resilience most adults never have to summon," Payton remarked. "He's been knocked down, but he never stays down. Watching him fight through this has changed everything I thought I knew about strength." Payton underscored how Remi is her "little fighter with a big spirit." "He's been through more in three months than most go through in a lifetime — and somehow, he still laughs, still smiles, still loves with his whole heart," Payton said. "He's my hero." Want to help? Thus far, many people have shown lots of love to Remi and Payton. "We're beyond grateful for the outpouring of love and support we've received: over 100 gifts arrived for Remi's 3rd birthday, and local businesses have gone above and beyond to support us," Payton said. Looking ahead, people can still financially help Remi and his family through several upcoming fundraisers. Note: All proceeds will go toward paying for Remi's ongoing medical care, travel expenses and basic living costs since Payton cannot work. 1. Halos & Hope Kids Haircut — starting at 11 a.m. Sunday at Halo Beauty Lounge, 133 E Market St. within the Marketplace Downtown, Sandusky People can receive haircuts with the money going specifically for Remi's care. 2. Warrior Wear 25.5 Football Camp — 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday at the Oregion Rec Center, 5330 Seaman Road, Oregon The youth football camp will help contribute toward Remi's ongoing care. 3. Golf Scramble for Remi — 9 a.m. start time on Oct. 18 at Hidden Hills Golf Club, 4900 County Road 16, Woodville Golfers can sign up in groups of four and compete in a shotgun-style golf scramble. Throughout the day, golfers have opportunities to win several prizes. Food will also be provided. Beyond the registration fee, people can donate by participating in a silent auction, sponsoring a hole, buying Remi-related merchandise and just giving money. People can contact Hunter Floro at 419-635-8063 for more information. 4. Remi apparel available People can visit linktr.ee/remistrong to purchase items and directly donate to Remi. Additional information will be posted on the Facebook page "Rooting For Remi" under the events section. It's there where people can also receive updates and following along with Remi's journey toward recovery. "Supporting any of these fundraisers — whether through playing, sponsoring, donating, or simply sharing — helps lift the weight we're carrying," Payton said. "It allows us to keep fighting this fight without being buried in the financial toll. Most importantly, it helps give Remi the safest, most supportive environment possible while his little body heals."