Local child facing surgery

By WAYNE QUESENBERRY/Staff

Preparing for surgery usually involves only a few tests and scans. For 6-year-old Noah Taylor of the Hollybrook community, however, it will mean two months in traction.
The Bland Elementary School first-grader has been diagnosed with scoliosis, a disorder that causes an abnormal curve of the spine. He is facing surgery to correct the problem.
“The doctors say the curve is 95 percent now,” noted his mom, Missy Taylor. “Before he can have the surgery, they want to put him in traction for two months with a halo in his head to attach the weights.”
According to her, the procedure was recommended by doctors at the Shriner’s Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. It will mean a two-month stay in Missouri for the family, which includes two younger children.
The Taylors made the 10-hour drive earlier this month. They’re preparing to return Dec. 9.
“Noah has to see a genetics doctor and have an ultra-sound on his kidneys and a number of other tests before they put him in traction,” Mrs. Taylor noted. “We like to take the other children since we have to be away so long.”
Her husband, Eldridge Taylor, is employed at CVG in Dublin. They have two younger children, 16-month-old Hadran Taylor and 4-month-old Mason Taylor.
While Noah is covered by his dad’s insurance, traveling and lodging expenses for the family are extra. The Taylors also are facing the prospect of Eldridge Taylor’s automotive-industry related job ending at the end of the year.
To help with the added costs, relatives and friends of the Taylors are hosting a benefit for the family on Wednesday, Dec. 2, beginning at 5 p.m. at the Hollybrook Community Center. Cost of the meal will be by donation.
Noah is the grandson of Wallace and Lucy French of Hollybrook. His paternal grandmother is Marie Taylor of Max Meadows.
Wayne Quesenberry can be reached at 1-800-655-1406 or .