Taylin McGill and her Tsawwassen family know all too well the impacts that BC Children's Hospital can have on people's lives.
That's why when Taylin was recently selected to be the 2017 Champion Child for BC Children's Hospital, they were honoured to give back to the organization that has done so much for them.
"We are still flying high from the news," said Taylin's mom Erin McGill. "The people there are incredible. There is just a feeling of love, comfort and support.
It is not a scary place - you know they are going to help you."
As a newborn, Taylin was diagnosed with salmonella bacterial meningitis - a very rare and serious infection in the brain. It caused swelling in her brain that led to her suffering from severe seizures. By age seven, Taylin endured her 14th brain surgery. In 14 years, it is estimated that hundreds of people at BC Children's Hospital - from pediatric specialists to housekeeping - have been part of Taylin's journey in providing care to manage and overcome her health challenges.
Despite her significant struggles, Taylin's positive, energetic attitude has not waivered, and her parents feel strongly about giving back to the hospital that saved their daughter's life.
"As soon as she was well we offered our time to help raise funds. We have done lots of fundraisers for them and we have come in for the Miracle Weekend," said Erin. "Our first fundraiser that we did for them, Taylin was about three and I did it with another mom from Delta and the 2006 Champion Child and we raised $33,000 and we have been doing it ever since."
As B.C.'s representative in the Champions Across Canada program, Taylin and her family will embark on a tour to share their story of spirit and courage.
In March, the family will travel to Ottawa to join 11 other Canadian Champion children. The group will then head to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla, to join 50 American Champion children and their families at the Children's Miracle Network annual event, Celebration.
"We are sure that meeting with the other families will be a very emotional journey and the stories will resonate with us for the rest of our lives," said Erin. "We teach Taylin that she can do anything and she really can."
Friday, Nov. 11 marks a major milestone for Taylin as it will be four years without a major seizure.
"She was having those for up to 90 minutes long," recalled Erin. "We have had 10 to 12 years of some pretty horrible times, but Taylin is healthy now and really doing well. Through those times of sorrow came remarkable things. It has changed the way our family looks at life. You can always find something good."
