My name is Taylor, I am 13 years old and in the 7th grade. I live in Dana Point, California with my parents, Jim and Cynthia and my sister Alyssa who is 7, and my brother Brandon who is 19. I love singing and acting. I have participated in many regional singing competitions and earned an honorable mention in my second competition. In 2005, I participated in the Orange County Opera’s “Tosca” and in 2006, was cast as the lead for Fiddler on the Roof in “Tevye.” During my stay at Children’s Hospital and Medical Center in Seattle, I wrote a song entitled “True Courage” which was inspired by all of the brave children and their families I met during my stay there. I have sung my song at many different places including Saddleback Church and the Center for Spiritual Living in San Juan Capistrano, California. In May 2006 I was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia called Philadelphia chromosome. Because of my specific disease I was required to get a bone marrow transplant. The procedure was just a transfusion so it was pain free but starting the day after my transplant I was in a lot of pain because the new bone marrow was foreign to my body. I used faith, visualization, meditation and everything in my power to stay positive. It is my hope that I can use my music, my acting and stage skills and experience to encourage others to fight hard, never give up and always keep hope.