“It’s become a shared community story rather than just a personal one,” she says. “That’s been the most incredible part.” The response has been overwhelming. While daily votes and donations continue to pour in, a mid-April feature on local radio station, 94.1 myFM became the station’s most listened-to story of the week. Those paid votes support Children’s Miracle Network, adding a charitable component to the campaign. “I check often just to say thank you,” Lindsay says. “Even seeing those daily free votes means so much. It’s that consistent, everyday support that really keeps this going.” Behind the campaign is a deeply personal story. Lindsay, who works in human resources, says, “My life didn’t take the path that I expected. There’s mental health, addictions, and a separation and divorce in there too, things I never thought would be part of my story. But it’s shaped who I am.” That lived experience now informs how she connects with others in her professional life. “When you share your story, it makes it easier to have those conversations,” she says. “It helps people feel like they’re not alone. Counselling is a huge part of that, and it’s okay to ask for help; it’s more normal than people think.” At home, Lindsay is raising two energetic boys, William and Andrew, ages ten and six. “They make life pretty easy,” she says with a laugh. “It’s high energy -- swimming, trampolines, scooters, but I just go with it. It’s not what I envisioned, but I’m so grateful.” Lindsay’s children have also become some of her biggest supporters and, in some cases, her best campaigners. “My son is actually better at campaigning than I am,” she says. “He’ll go up to people and say, ‘Do you know my mom’s in a Super Mom competition?’ I can’t do that; I find it really hard to ask people. But he has no problem with it.”
While Lindsay admits that compared to others, she doesn’t necessarily see herself as a ‘Super Mom’, she acknowledges the passion that keeps her going: “I’m just very driven. Everything I do, I want to do it to the best of my ability. There are times when it’s a lot, but that passion is what pushes me.” “It would be pretty cool to have the title,” she says, “but being able to share my story and continue that conversation, that’s the biggest thing. That’s what has an impact.” The prize money would go toward practical family needs, including a new vehicle, with a family vacation as well. But for now, her focus remains on the day-to-day effort of building momentum. “I can advocate for myself,” she says. “But truly, it’s in the hands of the public -- it’s people choosing to vote every day that’s going to make the difference.” And as the campaign continues, one thing has become clear: what started as a simple entry has turned into something far more powerful, a reminder of what can happen when a community comes together behind one of its own. If you would like to support Lindsay and bring a Super Mom home to St. Thomas, go to thesupermom.org/vote/shared/2026/ lindsay-payne to cast your free vote, and remember: you can vote once a day!
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Hometown St. Thomas • June 2026 • Page 17
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