DJ Envy and his wife, Gia Casey, lived through every parent’s worst fear after their youngest daughter, Peyton, suffered a seizure just two weeks before Christmas. What started as what seemed like a routine illness quickly spiraled into a medical emergency that nearly cost them their child.
Gia shared the terrifying experience on Christmas Day, posting photos and a deeply emotional caption that stopped followers in their tracks. She wrote that the holiday “looks very different” for their family this year and revealed that their world “completely stopped” when the possibility of losing one of their children became real.
DJ Envy, born Raashaun Casey, and Gia share six children and have been together since high school. Married for more than two decades, the couple is known for keeping it real about family, faith, and life’s challenges. This time, though, the moment was heavier than anything they’d shared before.
According to Gia’s post, Peyton had been battling both the flu and strep throat at the same time. The illness was accompanied by a high fever that lasted for “several days.” Despite multiple visits to her pediatrician and urgent care, Gia said she and Envy were repeatedly told not to worry too much. The advice was that the flu is more aggressive in winter and can last “seven to eight days.”
Gia said Peyton’s condition kept her from sleeping for six straight days. Something didn’t feel right. She constantly monitored her daughter, checking her temperature, keeping her hydrated, and giving her medicine. Then one night, everything changed. Peyton had a seizure.
“One night, at midnight, I looked over and noticed her body immediately stiffen, her eyes opened, and she was strangely looking up and off to the left. Her arms were extended, and her hands were in a prayer position. I thought that she was having a bad dream. I tried to wake her up, but it became obvious that it was not a dream. I sat her up, shook her, and repeatedly tapped her face. Nothing changed. She was completely zoned out and only making slight movements. It was at that moment that my heart sank and I experienced fear that gutted me… Peyton was having a seizure. It was the absolute worst moment of my life…”
Gia wrote that she drove “105 mph” to get her daughter to the hospital, making the trip in just eight minutes. Once there, doctors immediately began testing. Peyton underwent a spinal tap, a CT scan, and an MRI. Instead of improving, her condition worsened by the next morning.
Gia said Peyton’s eyes swelled “like golf balls.” What followed were “many days and many tests,” until doctors finally discovered the real cause. Peyton had developed a severe sinus infection that had “infiltrated her orbital areas and the epidural fluid around her brain.”
Doctors initially told Gia and Envy that Peyton would need brain surgery. Later, that plan changed. “Thankfully, that was not the case,” Gia wrote, explaining that her daughter ended up needing two other surgeries instead.
Through it all, the family leaned on faith, each other, and the support pouring in from loved ones and fans. Celebrity friends, including Tyrese and Kelly Rowland, flooded the comment section with prayers, encouragement, and love.
DJ Envy also spoke out, leaving a message of gratitude under the post that captured the family’s relief and appreciation.
“We are so thankful to every surgeon, doctor, nurse, and member of the medical team who cared for our baby,” he wrote. “Your kindness, expertise, and support mean more to our family than words can express.”
