Taylor Garent, Miracle Child

It is his tender heart and terrific sense of humor that makes little Taylor Garent a favorite with his classmates. It is, however, his courage that sets him apart as a truly remarkable child. At only six years of age, Taylor is a cancer survivor. In June of 2001, after fighting what appeared to be a stubborn ear infection, doctors referred Taylor and his parents, Chris and Heather Garent, to a specialist. It was then that the Garent's would learn that Taylor had a cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma. A muscular tumor that had originated in his jaw was quickly growing into his ear and the lining of his brain.

Taylor and his parents spent the next three months at Children's Hospital in Seattle where the 5-year old would endure endless pokes and scans, and bouts of radiation and chemotherapy along with surgery. While at first wondering why his cancer wouldn't disappear like a cold would, Taylor at five years old soon understood the rigors of his treatment and amazed his parents with his attitude.

He is the strongest, bravest person I've ever met. He never complained or felt sorry for himself," says Dad. But Seattle wasn't home and the Garents were grateful for the partnership between Memorial Hospital and Children's Hospital that allowed Taylor to finish his treatment from his home. "Coming home was the best thing we could have done for Taylor because he went from being sick to being in his own bed with his toys and friends around him," says Mom.

Taylor was so comfortable at Memorial he was soon teasing the nurses while his parents had nothing but praise for the way the local staff worked with the experts at Children's. After a year of aggressive medical treatment, Taylor Garent was declared cancer free and is now ready to take on his second chance at life.