Written by Todd and Tara Storch with Jennifer Schuchmann
Published at Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group
About the book
The Storches are a truly amazing and inspiring family! They show beautifully how faith and hope can bring you through the toughest of times. Taylor’s Gift clearly shows that there can be a purpose in the pain.”-Carly Patterson, Olympic gold medalist It was the last run of their first day on the slopes, the beginning of another great family vacation for Todd and Tara Storch and their three children. But when thirteen-year-old Taylor’s life was tragically cut short in a skiing accident, the Storches were overcome by the devastating loss of their daughter. Still in shock, they were asked a question no parents ever think they will hear: “Would you be willing to donate Taylor’s organs?”
Their answer would change their family’s lives forever and provide comfort during their darkest moments. It would also save the lives of five desperate people anxiously waiting for a heart, a liver, a cornea, a pancreas, and a kidney.
Taylor’s death could have destroyed the Storches-and in some ways it almost did. Instead, her gift of life brought them strength, knowing her heart was continuing to beat. Taylor’s Gift is more than Taylor’s story, or even Todd and Tara’s story. It’s the story of a nurse who can now be an active mom and fully present for her kids, a cowboy who now has the strength and ability to give back to the community, a biker who can now give of himself completely, and a teenager who can now see her future for the first time.
It’s a story of finding strength in God and creating good even in the darkest times.
It’s a story of hope. Todd Storch is a successful consultant, public speaker, and community leader. After the death of his daughter, he began to pursue his new God-given mission to promote organ donation. Todd is cofounder and president of Taylor’s Gift Foundation, where he and his wife, Tara, work tirelessly to help those who have been touched by organ donation. Todd is honored to lead the foundation that has helped contribute to the registration of millions of new organ donors and is still changing the conversation about organ donation.
Tara Storch is first and foremost a mom, but she is also a sales and marketing professional, is active in her church, and is a community leader. Along with her husband, Todd, she cofounded Taylor’s Gift Foundation. She leads the marketing efforts of the foundation with the mission to “increase organ donation to Regift Life, Renew Health, and Restore Families.” She loves helping others recognize the beautiful gift we all have within.
Todd and Tara have shared their story on Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and other national media. They are the parents of Taylor, Ryan, and Peyton, and have made their home in Texas.
Jennifer Schuchmann specializes in collaborations with celebrities and newsmakers. Among her many books, she is coauthor with Kurt and Brenda Warner of the New York Times bestselling First Things First; with Dan Woolley of Unshaken, the only book written by a survivor of the Haiti earthquake; and with Jim Cymbala of Spirit Rising.
Learn more at www.TaylorsGift.org.
Outlive yourself.
My Thoughts
I was extremely touched and moved with this book. Every chapter brought tears in my eyes and I felt the pain for this grieving family. The cover of the book is illustrated by the picture of Taylor Storch, a beautiful young girl who was snatched from her family suddenly. From the first chapter of the book until the end of it I was emotional and wondered how in the world have they gone through this ordeal and survive as a family. I know that they were believers and learned to trust God but having a child close to the ages of Taylor myself I don’t know how I would react to a situation like this.
It was interesting to see how the two parents grieved differently and how the kids themselves had to deal with the sudden lost in their lives. And to see the love and support that their community had for them, I am speechless. This is what a community of believers can do to a grieving family. This is what love is. To be selfless and offer your services no matter what.
I also loves the inspiration poured through these pages in encouraging to become a organ donor. I was also touched by the stories of the family meeting some of the recipients of Taylor’s organs. Having testimonies on how this simple decision (though I am sure heartbreaking one as well) has changed the lives of individuals will touch you to the core of your soul.
Here’s a video about BeADonor.ca which is the Ontario site to register to become an organ and tissue donor. In the US, I strongly suggest that you go to Taylorsgift.org.
In Ontario, one donor can help up to 8 recipients. All it takes is a minute or two of your time and register. It`s a decision you can make now which will inform your family of your decision if something happens to you. A few years ago, I had signed the donor card when I renewed my driver’s license. I always thought that because I signed the green card, I would be covered. Not so. The process of registering in Ontario is quite simple. You will need to provide your health card number and answer some questions.
In the first screen, you will consent to help save lives by becoming an organ and tissue donor and you can specify which organs/tissue you are willing to donate. The following screen will require you to confirm you registration and voilà! It is that simple…
Having being touched by this book and discover that my little green card in Ontario wasn’t enough, I have decided to register officially as an organs and tissue donor. If you are reading this and have not taken the time to do so yourself, I would like to encourage you to sign up at BeADonor.Ca in Ontario or at Taylorsgift.org in the US. For other provinces or parts of the world, I would strongly suggest that you google organi donation and found how you can sign up to become a donor. Be a blessing for someone else if something happens to you! Sign up today!
Taylor’s Gift if available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, even amazon.ca and amazon.com. I`m warning you though… keep a tissue box next to you while you read it!
The book is also available on Kindle.
Disclaimer: The book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.
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