Taylor dressed with his fire gear and helmet. Photo Courtesy Make a Child Smile.

The boy, Taylor, of Bartlett, Tennessee, "loves, adores anything that has to do with Firefighting and EMT's," the organization's founder, Alexandra, writes.

The foundation and the boy's family are hoping that fire departments from "all over" can send young Taylor a t-shirt from departments with the city's name on it and possibly signed by some or all of the firefighters and emergency medical personnel.

About Taylor

Written by Taylor's Mom, Shelly

Taylor came to us in the most special way that a child can come, on Mother’s Day 1991.

He was born over two and a half months early. For a child we were told may never have been, he has proven to be a major part of not only our lives, but also the lives of everyone with whom he comes in contact with.

As a result of his premature birth, Taylor has Cerebral Palsy with severe Spastic Quadriplegia. He is also developmentally delayed, and has severe asthma. This all sounds very depressing and insurmountable, but God did not overlook Taylor. Taylor has been blessed with the charm and charisma that very few will ever experience. I have yet to see a heart that cannot be melted with his warming smile and beautiful brown eyes.

Taylor

Taylor has undergone numerous surgeries attempting to improve his quality of life. These have ranged from two eye surgeries, two orthopedic surgeries, to the childhood standards such as a tonsillectomy. His most major surgery to date was a Dorsal Rhizotomy last summer (a procedure where the spinal cord is opened up and nerve rootlets that produce the most spasticity are cut. This process has helped Taylor to perform new movements & increase his strength. He is now able to walk in a gait trainer!).

He is still going through the physical and occupational therapy that are part of the yearlong rehabilitation associated with this procedure. He is also receiving Botox injections (a purified form of botulinum toxin that is injected into the muscles to help decrease tightness & improve range of motion. Taylor has this procedure done every 4 to 6 months.). At present Taylor is recuperating from having an Intrathecal Baclofen Pump implanted. This device helps to reduce the spasticity in his muscles.

Taylor’s favorite thing in this world is the field of Firefighting/EMT. We go for regular visits to one of the local fire departments so Taylor can keep an eye on things. I honestly believe the firemen enjoy the visits as much as he does. Taylor has made many friends on his visits. His room is decorated with all kinds of firemen memorabilia. Taylor celebrated his birthday at the Fire Museum of Memphis. Two of the fire stations were kind enough to send fire engines just for Taylor. This made for a very special day!

Taylor has a twelve-year-old sister Erika. She is fantastic! She has been nothing but great in her help and support of her brother. From babysitting to just helping with chores, Erika has always been wonderful in helping out in any way that she can. Taylor is also a mail freak. U.S. Mail, FedEx... Taylor is always excited to hear from someone. I would like to thank everyone who participates in this wonderful program. Often people think that support is either medical or monetary. Thank you for the “good ole-fashioned” human caring.

Where to Send the T-Shirts:

• Taylor L.
  PMB# 207
  6600 Stage Rd.
  Ste.126
  Bartlett, TN 38134, U.S.A.