A Daughter's Loving Gift - Of Life

East Providence High School senior Taylor Moran knows quite a bit about health care. The Townie senior recently sat down after school with The Reporter to talk about family and life. Moran, who will turn 18 in July, has been a Type 1 diabetic since second grade. "I've learned that it's the little things in life that make a big difference," said Moran. Living with diabetes is tough enough for those who have to monitor blood sugar levels and receive daily insulin self- injections. For those dealing with Type 1 diabetes, the only treatment is insulin injections for the rest of their lives. There is no cure. "I'm doing okay but I have to stay on top of it," said Moran.

Taylor Moran's high school years have been fulfilling. She enjoys school and has maintained second honors while working two part time jobs after school. Moran is enrolled in the high school's cosmetology program at the Career Center. "I enjoy this course but I think I might look into a career as an endocrinology pediatric nurse," Moran added. Maintaining good grades in school and working at Dunkin Donuts and the Wharf Tavern restaurant in nearby Warren, R.I. keep her very busy. But something else occurred recently which tested her drive to deal with yet another serious health concern and the importance of family.

In 2014 Taylor's dad, Toby Moran, was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma. Since then he has gone through a number of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. "My dad had done well for awhile and was in a remission but then the cancer came back," recalled Taylor Moran. Toby Moran has been out of work for some time at the Wharf Tavern in Warren and wasn't successfully reacting anymore to standard hospital treatments. Toby also has been a youth soccer coach for the past 4 years and missed the coaching and the kids. "A hernia I was dealing with then led to my doctor finding more," said the elder Moran in a separate interview with The Reporter. Toby Moran also suffers from diabetes.

"An ultra sound and more blood work and tests determined that I had a serious stage-advancing lymphoma. It plays with your state of mind, denial sets in and I was very nervous as I didn't know what I was facing ahead," said Moran. "At first I didn't tell anyone as I wondered how to tell family. Things were surreal and shocking to me. My doctor was great and the oncologist and other specialists were wonderful," Moran added.

Taylor's parents are divorced and while she lives in East Providence and has attended school here since kindergarten, her dad now lives in Warren. "There are 4 kids in our family and we all get along now pretty well," noted Taylor. Things were clearly stressful for all family members with Toby asking his doctor early in the prognosis, "Am I going to die?" At first things appeared to be progressing pretty well. "The doctors worked out a treatment plan for me to include a chemo regiment and it seemed to be a positive approach," said Moran. "But then it was noticed that a bump under my arm was not good."

"My dad was told by doctors that his only hope for survival was a bone marrow transplant," said Taylor. The Moran family discussed the medical reports. It was clear to everyone that they had run out of options. "We had to find a match for dad, someone to be a donor," recalled Taylor. Donor compatibility includes matching blood types and DNA and can be affected by the donor's age and other considerations. After finding a few possibilities it was determined that 17 year old Taylor Moran would present as her dads best match for a successful transplant. "I was all for it, he's my dad," she said.

For his part, Toby was hesitant initially. "My daughter is 17, doing well in school and is diabetic. She has her whole life in front of her." But Taylor insisted. She would be the donor. Taylor Moran, the EPHS senior honors student who enjoys country and rock music, cosmetology and maybe pediatric nursing someday, was ready to give her dad the gift of life.

"I had to have several tests myself and some preparation before the transplant," said Taylor. "I admit to being a little nervous right before the transplant, there was a little crying but I was okay, it wasn't that bad," she recalled. Both father and daughter spent some time recuperating in the hospital afterwards and both feel fine today.

The transplant took place on January 27, 2016. Since the operation Toby Taylor has felt better. Although not yet able to work he has been cheered on by co-workers at the Wharf Tavern and many friends and family. Taylor was out of school for about 2 weeks. "My grades took a slight hit throughout the whole process but I got them back up now," admitted Toby with a smile. There was even a period of time where Taylor had to do some babysitting for her step-mom when a family member suffered a broken leg. It was a long couple of years. "It's about family said Taylor.

"I feel good now," said Toby. "I get tired easily and haven't regained strength but Taylor's gift to me is certainly my inspiration to get better." May 6th will mark a 100th day medical benchmark for Moran. "We'll get a thorough scan and go from there," added Moran who will turn 40 this June. Moran's four children are aged 3, 8, 9 and 17. "This has all been hard on my kids. We had to face-time for awhile on the phone when I was hospitalized. My 9 year old took things the hardest. My wife has been great, she had to deal with the kids and do everything else. It's been a long time. But things are looking good," said an upbeat Moran. "My checkups are down to 2 days a week from everyday."

Since the transplant, things have indeed looked good for Toby, who is back coaching youth soccer in Warren. "I'd like to thank all the soccer kids and parents who have been so supportive throughout my recovery," added Moran.

Toby's father-in-law is well known retired Providence Journal newspaper reporter/photographer and current East Bay News Bureau columnist Manny Correira. "Being around special family members like Taylor and Toby have made me realize how important it is to never take anything for granted," said Correira. "Taylor and her dad have been an inspiration to so many people during their difficult ordeal, but always come out smiling. I am so proud of my grand-daughter Taylor. It's really been a heartwarming story, thanks to everyone for prayers and support during this trying time," Correira added.

Taylor Moran has been back at EPHS wrapping up her senior year. She continues to hold 2nd honors, manage her own health and look forward to her future. And one thing is crystal clear to this brave Townie; no gift she might give anyone going forward will ever match the precious gift of life she gave her dad in 2016. "It's family, he's my dad," - explained Taylor Moran. A courageous Townie, Class of 2016.