Taylor Renee Helland
I’ve written too many of these entries!
This morning, I woke to an email entitled “She’s gone”. Another beautiful young person’s time on earth cut short because of cancer. This morning, B+ Hero, TCU student, Chi O sister, daughter, friend, and faith-filled, unique young lady, Taylor Helland, passed away.
For years, Taylor battled a cancer for which she was told there was no cure. In spite of this, her spirit never wavered. She NEVER slowed down. She was unbelievable! She was SO strong in her faith. She epitomized the B+ spirit. Taylor and her family know she is in Heaven. And, even though I too watched my child die, I will not say that I can describe the pain and grief that the Hellands feel today. Only they know that. Please say a prayer for them…they, and not Taylor, need your prayers now.
Taylor was who she was because of her faith, the family that raised her, and just an intangible, magical quality that made her so unique. And, she still has all of those some great qualities...now, though, we are going to have to feel Taylor's presence from above. I am so blessed that I got a chance to know Taylor Helland. As you’ll see in the picture, Taylor (left) and her friend, Tara Schneider (who is a B+ Sibling Hero), joined us on stage last year for UDance at the University of Delaware and NOVAdance at Villanova University. While I know it was a really fun road trip for Taylor, we were the recipients of the gift of her presence and the inspiration from her talk on stage. She put perspective on life for thousands of people those 2 days.
I won’t rant today about the unfairness and cruelty of childhood cancer. Today is a day to grieve and honor the life of a special person. ‘Tomorrow’, though, we’ve got to show our anger and declare that enough is enough. Whether it’s the type of cancer Taylor had or any of the other types, kids just should not die. It’s really that simple. It is.
Andrew, please welcome Taylor home.
Ali & Andrew’s Dad