Taylor Olsen
Community Hero 2005
At just three years of age, Taylor (or “Tay Tay”), is a delightful little girl with an infectious smile that can brighten anyone’s spirits. She would happily listen to “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” and “You Are My Sunshine” a thousand times a day. Parents, Kirsten and Ian, say she loves dolls, coloring, painting, picture books – and snacking on watermelons, blueberries and cantaloupes. Last year in Black Butte, she developed a fascination with horses after riding Pete, a miniature pony.
Because of Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD), a genetic disorder, Taylor has lost the ability to crawl, talk and do the everyday things she enjoys. Painful muscle spasms often wreak havoc on her small body.
But her wonderful, gentle presence and amazing courage persist. “Taylor has accepted her condition without one complaint or fuss,” say her parents. “She is a beautiful, sweet, brave soul whose unconditional love has touched many people.” Taylor has taught her family to live in the moment and be thankful for the small things.
