BORN JUNE 17, 2008, in Browning, Montana raised in the lower Two Medicine Valley by Andrea WeatherWax, with his father Anthony Buckland continuing to be a part of his life.
On June 11, 2021, Payton was life flighted to Seattle Children's Hospital located in Seattle, Washington. It was this day that Payton began his walk of faith, he was forced to face a situation he had no control over. Payton had to face something that no one should have to face, especially someone so young. He was told he had a large, pear-sized tumor on the right side of his nasal cavity that started at the bridge of his nose. Payton’s teenage years began with uncertainty, he had to accept he would not know the outcome. 
Payton arrived in Seattle in the early morning, he spent the day meeting over 20 different doctors. Payton sat with these doctors as they studied his case, trying to figure out what kind of cancer was attacking Payton’s body. Payton sat with this news, as doctors worked together to make a plan of attack. They had no idea of what kind of cancer was invading Payton’s body. That was until June 15th, 2021, two days before his 13th birthday. The doctors told Payton there was a 10% chance that this mass was not cancer. Ignited with newfound hope, Payton held onto his 10% chance with everything he had. Doctors explained that, if the biopsy was positive, they would need to place a port catheter into his chest. Payton knew that if he woke up after the surgery with a catheter in his chest, it meant one thing. 
Due to Covid-19, Payton’s family could not go with him into his surgery. Payton was forced to face this moment in his life without his loved ones by his side. Andrea WeatherWax and daughter, Kaelyn Starr, sat in his waiting room, holding on to their 10% chance.
Payton woke up alone, in a quiet hospital room, to find a catheter in his chest. He told his family that he started to cry. Andrea remembers Payton saying, “I had a 10% chance mom. 10% mom.”.
Payton’s faith was larger than life, with a pure heart, he held hope. Even though Payton held onto his faith, sometimes questions were heavy on his heart. The courage that Payton had everyday, gave his mother Andrea, renewed hope each day. 
Payton was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma; a skeletal cancer found most in young males located in the head, neck, arms or legs with treatment calling for intense Chemotherapy and Radiation. Payton’s journey was filled with many obstacles and challenges. He needed to be relocated to Seattle, Payton needed to be within an hour of the hospital. He would need to be very cautious during this time, it felt like he was forced in a bubble. He went through 76 weeks of chemotherapy and 6 weeks of maximum radiation, at 59.9 gales, the highest amount of radiation a person can receive.
The radiation treatment was intense which took a toll on Payton’s body, during his last two weeks of radiation, he had to be hospitalized. An ambulance came daily to bring Payton to his radiation appointments. Payton had lost a significant amount of weight, he had burns on his face and he could smell burning in his throat. Payton had lost his hair, and he was extremely weak, he was vulnerable. 
Despite these facts, Payton continued to show his unwavering faith and strength. He fought through his pain, so that he could open his eyes and say his prayers. Andrea knew he couldn’t speak but she also knew he was praying along with her in his mind. 
Andrea says that she knows Jesus was with them the whole time, from the beginning of this difficult walk all the way to the end. He showed his mercy in every way, the family was able to live in Seattle throughout Payton’s journey. Jesus made a way; the family was placed in an apartment within miles of the children’s hospital. Andrea said they received the apartment, without an application, without a deposit, this was by the grace of God. God always made a way.
Payton is remembered by many for his faith and strength in his fight. He inspired many with his unwavering courage and love for God. 
Like many Indian Cowboys, Payton loved to be outdoors. He was a wrestler from age 5 all the way up to his diagnosis. Payton loved to go hunting and ride horses. Payton always had a heart for animals, he loved his cats and dogs. Payton found peace near the water, he loved nothing more than a good day by the lake. Fishing was Payton’s peace.
Payton touched the hearts of many in his short life. Payton Lane was a Two Medicine Cowboy.