Four years ago, Taylor Kulp was a strong, healthy, vibrant, young girl who had an active life which included sports - especially her love of volleyball. Unfortunately, her health began to decline and Taylor was hospitalized numerous times.

In 2011, Taylor was struck with severe abdominal pain that led to the first of many surgeries and health issues, including an ovarian torsion and pancreatitis. Exploratory surgery lead to the discovery of Meckle's Diverticulum. Yet, even with all these diagnoses, Taylor suffered with chronic abdominal pain, weakness, chest pain and fatigue.

Frustrated and having no answers, Taylor's doctors referred her to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota in the summer of 2013. After reviewing Taylor's medical records and running numerous tests, specialists there diagnosed Taylor with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). POTS is a form of Dysautonomia, which is when you autonomic nervous system (ANS) does not function properly. Your ANS controls your heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, breathing and digestion. POTS symptoms persist for years, vary in severity, and depending on the individual, may be experienced on a day-to-day basis, as is the case with Taylor. There is no cure.

Somewhat relieved to have some answers and with a plan in place for a second visit to the Mayo Clinic,Taylor returned home, but was soon hospitalized again. This time, for appendicitis. Unfortunately, the appendectomy in September 2013 provided only short-lived relief from the acute abdominal pain Taylor endures daily.

Throughout this terrible ordeal, Taylor has remained positive and hopeful. Some days are tougher than others, yet with the support of family and friends, Taylor still manages to inspire us with her good humor and optimistic attitude. Her smile is infectious.

On one positive note, Taylor was able to finish out her senior year at West Chester East High School without being homebound. She remained in the National Honor Society, and was able to go to her senior prom just two weeks after having gall bladder surgery. After her June 2014 graduation, Taylor’s health declined and she was unable to attend Gwynedd Mercy University's School of Nursing as planned.

Taylor continues to have trouble eating due to severe pain which has resulted in more weight loss. Because of malnutrition and heightened abdominal pain, Taylor was admitted to Children’s Hospital Of Philadelphia in November 2014. Taylor had a specialized test and was given another medical diagnosis of Intestial Pseudo Obstruction. Two days after the diagnosis, Taylor had a Broviac Central Line inserted and started Total Parental Nutrition or TPN. TPN is a mixture of essential nutrients our bodies need. Taylor had TPN for 12 hours everyday to give her digestive tract a rest and she eventually gained back all the weight she lost. Although TPN gave Taylor the nutrients and weight she needed, it didn’t lessen the abdominal pain. In April 2015, TPN was stopped to see if Taylor could eat on her own, which hasn’t worked. Her weight is back down and she will soon be back on TPN.

Taylor continues to see multiple doctors to find answers and resolutions for all her complex medical conditions. To date (10/22/15) Taylor’s health is at it’s worst. Taylor’s POTS has been exacerbated, she has worsened abdominal pain, along with chronic migraines and other medical issues. We have now sought out the help of doctors who think outside the box and treat the “whole person”. Taylor now sees specialists in Virginia, Washington DC and New York – all of which are self pay and don't take insurance. 

Taylor continues to amaze us everyday with her bravery and strength even though we know she has a broken spirit that needs to be renewed.

Please donate what you can and share Taylor's story so that she can get the help she  needs. Taylor's family who has given so much to others, has reluctantly agreeded (after much convincing) to accept help for Taylor's medical and travel expenses. Please help make a difference for this inspiring young woman and her wonderful family.