John Allen “Chip” Payne

John always tried to help everyone that he could. He would probably give you the shirt off his back if you said that you were cold. That’s just the way he was. Our family is very pleased that he could help another life, because that’s what he would’ve wanted. John was Autistic. He had ADHD, Hyperthyroidism, and he also had a heart murmur. He had an ultrasound done every two years since he was born just to make sure that his heart was doing okay. The ultra sound showed that he only had two valves when he was supposed to have three or more. When he passed, the autopsy showed that actually he only had one. We will never know why the ultra sound machine never picked it up. Maybe if it would’ve he would still be with us today. Even though he had a bad heart, he had the biggest, love filled heart of anyone we’ve ever met. John’s death was very puzzling to everyone – especially doctors. Even though he had a very rare condition, (chromosome 18) he was a very healthy kid. IF you met him you would never even know he had a disability. He was on the go from the time he woke up at around 6am until the time he went to sleep at 9pm. He was always happy; he always wore the biggest smile every day. That’s how everyone who knew him remembers him. Every time he tried to do something hard or watch his dad try he’d always say “never give up”. That was his motto; A good one for everyone to live by. HE attended Clinton County RESA in St. Johns, MI. John was also a member of the Special Olympics Area 28 for Clinton County. He bowled, played softball and floor hockey, and if he wasn’t playing he was on his Nintendo DS. He carried that around along with his Pokémon and Yu-gi-oh cards. He also collected bottle caps of all shapes, sizes and colors. By the time he passed he filled a big tote to the top. I counted 4088. Also, like most of us, he carried his cell phone. Of course it was no ordinary phone; his was used to call his super friends. Every Halloween he was a super hero and he wanted me to make the costume. Although I won’t be making anymore costumes he will still be our superhero. Dr. Stone has done a lot for us answering any questions we’ve had. He has decided, with our permission, to fun for the American Heart Association in October in the memory of John. Maybe someday there will be a way to catch this problem so that another life can be saved. As John would say NEVER GIVE UP!!
— Flor Payne