Taylor's Gift

Taylor Storch was a classmate of my brother, John, and she passed away after a skiing accident while on a vacation with her family during Spring Break this year.

Last year, Taylor and John's class had designed a garden outside at the school, so it was decided that a tree would be planted there in Taylor's memory. Taylor's parents, who were customers of Jay, contacted him about planting the tree and possibly doing a mini 'face lift' to the garden. What started out as a simple tree planting evolved into the most amazing, peaceful and beautiful garden.

Taylor's tree


There was a plaque placed on a stone wall in the garden in memory of Taylor
When Taylor passed away, her parents made the decision to donate her organs, which in turn, ended up saving 7 lives, including a 1-year-old who received her heart. Since then, Taylor's parents have started a non-profit organization to promote organ donation.

On April 19th, Taylor's birthday, there was a dedication held at the school. It was so wonderful. Everyone showed up wearing purple and blue (Taylor's favorite colors).

The street was lined with purple and blue heart balloons

The entire 8th grade class, faculty, staff, family and friends, all wore these shirts in Taylor's honor. Truett and Emma had dentist appointments that morning, and when we walked into the office, the entire staff also had the shirts on.

It was so amazing to be able to be a part (even a small part) of something so beautiful. Jay and I wear our blue 'Taylor's Gift' bracelets and there is not a day that goes by that I don't think about her and her family.

To find out more about Taylor's Gift and organ donation, or to become an organ donor, please visit www.taylorsgift.org