Taylor's Gift (35 page)

After people hear our family's story, they often mention that it has inspired them. But through the good days and the bad, what has inspired us is the love and encouragement of our friends and family. We could fill another book with all of the names of those who stood by us, but we hope that in reading this book they will recognize their part in our story and our appreciation for their role in our lives.

A very special thank-you goes out to:

Bill Taylor, who was the first by our side when we needed him most. We can't fully imagine or understand how you handled everything that was thrown at you. You have been there for us in so many ways: emotionally, spiritually, silently, and physically. You have handled the roles of brother, uncle, and doctor with such grace that it amazes us. Thank you for loving us deeply and always being there.

Kary, Juli, Chris, Bernie, Kristin, and Curt, who were able to be by our side at the hospital during such a difficult time. Your presence, love, and hugs helped carry us through.

All of the friends and family who took care of us when we came home and for months afterward, especially Daniela Centeno, Pam and Randy Cope, Ana Lucia Cottone, Chris and Kim Dicken, Susie
Evans, Tresha Glowacki, Mandy Goddard, Greg Goyne, Kathy Gutierrez, Paul Haggan, Jeff Hook, Jeremy Lipsey, Lisa Marshall, Mary Marshall, Linda Medina, Jeff and Kathy Quirk, Beth Rathe, Dina Conte Schulz, Candy Sheehan, Pauline and Pete Stein, Terry Storch, Jason and Dana Thompson, Angie Thurman, Trista Wojick, Judy Ordemann, and Nancy Yingling. Your conversations, clean laundry, foundation advice, baskets of food, care of Taylor's grave, laundry soap, tomato plants, meals, cards, letters, and so much more were physical tokens of your care and concern for us. And thank you to the many more who have loved and supported our family during this time, both for things we know about and the many unseen acts you've done.

Matt, Beth, Allie, and Emily Sunshine—our Suntorch family! We have described our friendship to many as “family without the blood,” and we love you deeply. So many of our special memories include you. You are forever family to us.

Laura Springer, who in our opinion is the best school principal in America and also a true friend. Your laughter, hugs, and smiles always seem available at the perfect time.

Taylor's dear friends Courtney Quirk and Kate Dicken. You opened your hearts to try to be “big sisters,” and for that we will be forever grateful.

To Steve “Hutch” Hutcheson: you will always hold a special place in our family. You gave Taylor the nickname “T” and surrounded her with your beautiful faith. Thank you for your prayers and strength.

Everyone at the Center for Sales Strategy, especially John Henley, Jim Hopes, and Steve Marx. If more companies were run with the same integrity and compassion, the world would be a better place.

Father Alfonse, who helped us understand purpose in pain and showed unconditional love in the worst of times. Thank you for your advice and care. We'll never forget the day you emphatically encouraged us to write a book.

Andrea Doering at Baker Publishing, who was brave enough to reach out to grieving parents and ask if we had ever considered writing a book. Your act was a (divine?) confirmation of Father Alfonse's suggestion, and we are so thankful for you.

Jennifer Schuchmann: from the moment we talked with you, we knew you were the one to help us write this book. We know that if we had met earlier in life, we would have been the best of friends. You have a special place in our family now; you know inside jokes, what makes us tick, and how to pull us out when we turn inward. Your gift of writing is truly from God. You have handled our story with such grace and respect, and for that we are forever grateful.

Kathy Helmers at Creative Trust and the entire Baker Publishing team. Thank you for helping us through this journey. We have felt loved and protected by your experience and guidance.

Taylor's Keepers—Jeff Kartus, Patricia Winters, Jonathan Finger, Amanda Zoller, and an unnamed liver recipient—for being open to connecting with us and loving us like family. We feel a special connection to you like none other. You each have helped us have hope and strength in ways we can't truly explain.

Our extended family: thank you for all of the thoughts, prayers, laughter, notes, hugs, and encouragement. We know this has been a hard journey, and we thank you for never giving up on us.

Our parents: we know this has been tremendously difficult for you. We don't know the perspective of a grandparent, but we do know the meaning of your love for us. You have constantly surrounded us with support and prayer. Thank you for your unconditional love.

All of you have been Christ's hands and feet and have loved us when we were the hardest to love. May this book be a testimony of your love and friendship, and may it inspire others to go and do likewise.

Ryan and Peyton, who are our daily reminders that God is good. Thank you for loving us unconditionally during the worst of our grief—you've inspired us with the courage you've shown in the
face of yours. Though there is a piece missing from our five-piece puzzle, the remaining pieces are tightly locked together into a new picture. Thank you for walking so bravely and faithfully through a tragedy you didn't ask for. You are our biggest blessings and our deepest love.

Finally, to God, His Son, and the Holy Spirit: thank You for Your comfort and protection during the hardest times. We marvel at how You have brought all of this together for Your good, and we hope our words honor You and give You all the glory.

Todd and Tara Storch

Todd Storch
is a successful consultant, public speaker, and community leader. After the death of his daughter, he began to pursue his new God-given mission to promote organ donation. Todd is cofounder and president of Taylor's Gift Foundation, where he and his wife, Tara, work tirelessly to help those who have been touched by organ donation. Todd is honored to lead the foundation that has helped contribute to the registration of millions of new organ donors and is still changing the conversation about organ donation.

Tara Storch
is first and foremost a mom, but she is also a sales and marketing professional, is active in her church, and is a community leader. Along with her husband, Todd, she cofounded Taylor's Gift Foundation. She leads the marketing efforts of the foundation with the mission to “increase organ donation to Regift Life, Renew Health, and Restore Families.” She loves helping others recognize the beautiful gift we all have within.

Todd and Tara have shared their story on
Good Morning America
,
The Today Show
,
The Ellen DeGeneres Show
, and other national media. They are the parents of Taylor, Ryan, and Peyton, and have made their home in Texas.

Jennifer Schuchmann
specializes in collaborations with celebrities and newsmakers. Among her many books, she is coauthor with Kurt and Brenda Warner of the
New York Times
bestselling
First Things First
; with Dan Woolley of
Unshaken
, the only book written by a survivor of the Haiti earthquake; and with Jim Cymbala of
Spirit Rising
.

Learn more at
www.TaylorsGift.org
.

Outlive yourself.