Natasha and Taylor Giroux.
Lyonel Doherty photo
When Taylor Giroux tells his friends that he died and came back to life, they’re going to wish they had that kind of super power to play with.
The next thing you know, he’ll be flying.
At three years old, Taylor is definitely special; a fighter after surviving eight surgeries at BC Children’s Hospital in Richmond. He suffers from short gut intestinal failure, and must be fed through a tube.
Taylor’s mother, Natasha, formerly of Oliver, brought him to Hillside Orchards last Saturday for the Apple Jamboree, a fundraising event organized by good friend Heide Held. Some of the proceeds from sales went towards the family’s medical expenses.
“Taylor had a blast at the Apple Jamboree; he didn’t stop all day. It was great to see him having so much fun,” said Natasha.
Held felt compelled to help because there is little to no assistance for single mothers in Natasha’s situation.
She actually took a cue from her own daughter, 11-year-old Autumn Pelly, who has been raising money for the family all summer long. She started belly dancing at Hillside Orchards and raised more than $50. She even bought Taylor a new pair of shoes.
“I felt sad for him,” said Autumn, who loves playing with Taylor every time he comes over. “He smiles a lot, and his favourite thing is riding in the golf cart (in the orchard).”
Autumn’s friend, Zoe Anast, said she hopes doctors can make it better for Taylor so he doesn’t have to live at the hospital.
Taylor was born three months premature. His bowels had perforated due to necrotizing enter colitis, so doctors removed 90 per cent of his bowels. He is currently fed via IV nutrition 18 hours a day.
Autumn Pelly bobbing for apples at Saturday’s fundraiser for Taylor at Hillside Orchards.
Lyonel Doherty photo
“He looks like an old man in a kid’s body, but he just wants to be a kid,” Held said.
She pointed out that the last 10 months have been rough on the family, but Taylor has a lot of fight left in him because of his strong will to live.
Held said Taylor nearly died during one surgery, where doctors had to use a defibrillator to shock him back to life.
“He is a little charmer . . . you cannot help but fall in love with him. He truly is a miracle and has been since day one.”
Held said Natasha has been struggling as her bills keep piling up. “Being a single mom she is unable to work as he requires 100 per cent of her care.”
Natasha told the Chronicle that she is holding up. “We have to take it one day at a time and make the best of it.”
Natasha said Taylor likes to run, but he can’t right now because he would trip over his tubes.
The mother grew up in Oliver and attended Southern Okanagan Secondary School. She also managed the Cock & Bull restaurant for her father, Andre Giroux.
The Apple Jamboree raised $1,075 for the family.
“We are very grateful, every tiny bit helps,” Natasha said.
Anyone wishing to make a donation to help Taylor can do so at the Royal Bank, transit #04080, institution #003, account #5081211 or alternatively by visiting
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
