Secretary - Erin Taylor

My name is Erin Taylor. I was born in Albemarle, North Carolina in 1984. Two days after I was born, I was taken into surgery to have part of my intestines removed because of a bowel obstruction. It was at that time that I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. As you can imagine, my parents – like so many CF parents out there – were shocked by what this new reality meant for them and their new baby girl. Years of infections, medications, and doctor visits – all to lose her before she was old enough to attend school. Luckily, as the years crept by, new medications and treatments came along which allowed me to survive and thrive well beyond what was originally expected.

I am now in my mid-twenties and have lived an amazing life so far. I was able to compete in athletic events all through my adolescent years, going so far as to win a state championship title in Track and Field in high school. I competed in Cross Country, Soccer, Basketball, and Track and Field in high school, achieving All-Conference and All-County honors in all events. I was named school-wide MVPs in all events, and even named Conference Runner MVP in Track and Field. I was able to attend Appalachian State University in Boone, NC (Go Mountaineers!) for three years until my health took a decline and I ended up in the hospital with my very first lung infection. It was after this initial infection, and subsequent others, that I was forced to leave school and move home to Albemarle. Not all was breathing machines and antibiotics though! During this time, I married my best friend and high school boyfriend, Chris Taylor. He has been an amazing source of strength and encouragement for me for over eleven years. Although the sight of needles and IVs make him queasy, I can’t imagine my life without him!

In 2008, we made the decision to move to Orlando, Florida. I have family here in the Orlando area, and have visited here all my life. My health has seen marked improvement over the last few years due partly because of the wonderful group of doctors I have the privilege of working with, and partly due to the amazing weather here in Florida! My husband and I are enjoying the mild winters and especially being within a forty-five minute ride to the beach! I have been able to begin working again, although only in a part-time capacity. I am currently working as a marketing assistant with the Cystic Fibrosis Pharmacy here in Orlando. Working there has been a great learning experience for me and has also given me an opportunity to see some of the financial issues facing CF patients first hand.

With all the changes I have experienced in dealing with my health over the last few years, I have been made vividly aware of the struggles of the average CF patient. I have begun to regard my excellent health as a child and teenager as both a blessing and a curse. All my life, I was ignorant to the financial hardships and insurance struggles that are so commonplace for those struggling with cystic fibrosis. Having it thrust upon me in the last few years has been overwhelming to say the least. It has really opened my eyes to the incredible need there is for a foundation like this one. I hope that through this foundation, I can help be a part of a better quality of life for those battling this exhausting disease. I am truly honored to be a part of making a difference in my CF community.

Email: Erin@Breathe-Easy.org