Friends organize to help local family
By Mary Pritchard Contributing Writer

Organizers of the "Katlyn Taylor Angel of Hope Fund" (top) Jody Maher of Shrewsbury; Cheryl Shalhoub, Nancy Quinn, and Pam Martin, all of Northborough; and Vicki Taylor of Marlborough, holding a picture of her daughter, Katlyn, take time out from a planning meeting. PHOTO/MARY PRITCHARD

Region - At the age of 2, Katlyn Taylor was diagnosed with Fumarase Deficiency, a rare metabolic disorder that involves the Krebs cycle: the breaking down of proteins, fats and carbohydrates to produce energy.

Fumarase Deficiency causes severe neurological impairment, and has left Katlyn unable to walk, sit, stand or move on her own, and she is non-verbal. Katlyn suff ers from many complications as a result of the disorder and needs people and equipment to help her with daily life, such as special feeding chairs, a gait trainer for walking, wheelchair, stander, wrist splints, leg braces and chest vests.

Because of her many needs, friends of Katlyn's mother, Vicki Taylor, are organizing a fund-raiser for the family. Cheryl Shalhoub, Nancy Quinn, and Pam Martin, all of Northborough, and Jody Maher of Shrewsbury have created the "Katlyn Taylor Angel of Hope Fund" to help the family with medical expenses and the simple dream of being able to get Katlyn in the house, up the stairs and into the car - things others take for granted every day.

Vicki, Katlyn, and Katlyn's brother, Keith, live in a twostory house in Marlborough. The house is not handicappedaccessible, nor is the van that Vicki uses to drive Katlyn to school and her many doctor appointments.

"This is why we have started the fund and are holding a fund-raiser," Shalhoub said. "There are fewer than 100 documented cases [of Fumarase Deficiency] worldwide. Most children with this disorder pass away before their first birthday, but Katlyn's family has been blessed with seven years."

Vicki explained that when people see Katlyn, they may not realize how much difficulty she faces each day.

"Katlyn looks like your average child and, at a glance, people may not know [that she faces challenges] except the fact that she is in a wheelchair," Vicki said. "In photos, she looks like everyone else, but what I want people to understand is that there are people and children with severe disabilities that may not look disabled at first glance."

And despite her disability, Katlyn's attitude inspires those around her.

"Katlyn goes through a lot for a young girl of only 7 and despite her struggles, she wakes up every morning with a big smile and is ready for another day," Vicki said. "Katlyn struggles with everyday tasks and never gives up - she keeps trying. She is truly an angel on earth. She does not judge anyone. She just smiles and loves everyone for who they are. If I had one wish, it would to be more like her. She is an inspiration in my life and teaches me new things all the time."

Vicki appreciates what all of her friends and those who are inspired by Katlyn are willing to do.

"The fact that I have so many wonderful friends is a true blessing," she said. "I am forever grateful to them all for their help, love and support. Katlyn, her brother, Keith, and I thank them from the bottom of our hearts."

The fund-raiser will be held Saturday May 10 from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Loyal Order of Moose, Marlborough (near Assabet Valley Regional High School) and will include dinner, dancing, raffles and a silent auction, including a Red Sox package with tickets in the new Coca-Cola area of Fenway and a meet and greet with Tom Caron from NESN and his guests, a Gold's Gym membership for a year, airline tickets, and more.

Tickets are available in advance or at the door for $15, or two for $25, kids under 12 for $10, and under 6 are free.

For tickets or donation information, contact Shalhoub at 508-397-2721. Donations may also be made to Katlyn Taylor - Angel of Hope Foundation, at St. Mary's Credit Union, Marlborough.