My name is Tara, and I am starting this fundraiser for my best friend Shelby, her husband Trevor, and their incredible son, Taylor.

As some of you may know, my best friend Shelby and her husband Trevor have spent the past two years looking for answers for their son, Taylor. After countless doctor’s appointments, tests, and many tears, they have finally received a diagnosis. Taylor has been diagnosed with GRIN1-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (GRIN1). We always knew Taylor was special, but we now have further confirmation, as he is one of just 126 documented cases in the world with this extremely rare gene variant.

Due to GRIN1, Taylor experiences significant developmental delays, intellectual/cognitive disability, hypotonia (low muscle tone), movement disorders, feeding difficulties, and gastrointestinal issues. Most children with this diagnosis never meet milestones such as walking or talking; however, we will always remain hopeful, determined, and optimistic for Taylor.

While Shelby and Trevor are relieved to officially have a diagnosis, they are now facing the reality that this disability is lifelong and will continue to be significantly limiting to Taylor’s independence. The level of additional daily care is extremely high. Everyday tasks and skills we so often take for granted—walking, talking, dressing, feeding ourselves, playing with a toy, toileting, bathing, communicating our needs, and expressing when we don’t feel well—are only some of the challenges Taylor faces daily. He relies on his parents for every single need, every single day, and will for the foreseeable future.

We don’t know exactly what the future will hold, but I know myself and so many others want to help Taylor, Shelby, and Trevor on their journey. If you’ve had the pleasure of meeting Shelby or Trevor, you know that they are two of the kindest, hardest-working people, who are always willing to help and devote their time to others. They are treasured friends and family to many.

Shelby and Trevor are the best parents to Taylor, and he was put with them for a reason. As much as we would all love to be able to help and support his growth and development personally, the best way we can support them right now is financially.

This fundraiser has been set up to support the family with costs such as:

Your donation, no matter the size, will directly impact the quality of life for this family moving forward and ensure they have the resources they need to thrive. If you cannot donate, please consider sharing this page and learning about GRIN1; that is just as meaningful.

Thank you for loving this family and being a part of their path forward.