In March 2010, thirteen-year-old Taylor Storch's life was tragically cut short by a skiing accident. With only a few minutes to consider their options, her grieving family made the life-changing decision to donate her organs. Knowing Taylor's caring spirit, they were sure this was what she would have wanted. Over the course of the next two years, Tara and Todd Storch connected with four of the five people who now live because of Taylor's gift. And through these encounters, the Storches have discovered unexpected blessings that are changing countless lives. Now Tara and Todd share their inspiring story, shining a light at the end of the tunnel for those enduring the suffering of losing a loved one. Through the stories of the donor recipients, readers will discover hope in the midst of pain. Honest with their struggles, the Storches show readers that life is a gift and our response to grief is a choice. They also speak with a clear voice about the importance and the blessing of being an organ donor, telling the inspiring story of the creation of Taylor's Gift Foundation and its goals to raise awareness of the need for organ donation, to re-gift life, renew health, and restore families. They are changing the conversation around the globe that organ donation is not about death--it's about life! Foreword by Max Lucado. Taylor Storch states in a poem written shortly before her death that she is outgoing and friendly and that she wants to be a success in life. While Taylor’s lifetime is cut short by a ski accident, she continues giving the gift of life, thanks to her parents. Todd and Tara Storch recount the decisions that went into the amazing gift of organ donation and how the event transforms their lives and the lives of recipients, including a mother of two. The Storches’ story is not an easy read. Several chapters relive the tragedy and the grief that follows; however, the book serves as testament to the resilience of people, and the comfort of faith, family, and friends. Both parents enlisted their marketing talents to start a foundation named after their daughter that promotes organ donation. In doing so, they take back their lives. Taylor’s Gift portrays the hope that comes with blazing new trails in an age of modern miracles. --Susan DeGrane It was the last run of their first day on the slopes, the beginning of another great family vacation for Todd and Tara Storch and their three children. But when thirteen-year-old Taylor's life was tragically cut short in a skiing accident, the Storches were overcome by the devastating loss of their daughter. Still in shock, they were asked a question no parents ever think they will hear: "Would you be willing to donate Taylor's organs?" Their answer would change their family's lives forever and provide comfort during their darkest moments. It would also save the lives of five desperate people anxiously waiting for a heart, a liver, a cornea, a pancreas, and a kidney. Taylor's death could have destroyed the Storches--and in some ways it almost did. Instead, her gift of life brought them strength, knowing her heart was continuing to beat. Taylor's Gift is more than Taylor's story, or even Todd and Tara's story. It's the story of a nurse who can now be an active mom and fully present for her kids, a cowboy who now has the strength and ability to give back to the community, a biker who can now give of himself completely, and a teenager who can now see her future for the first time. It's a story of finding strength in God and creating good even in the darkest times. It's a story of hope.
Todd Storch is a successful consultant, public speaker, and community leader. After the death of his daughter, he began to pursue his new God-given mission to promote organ donation. Todd is cofounder and president of Taylor's Gift Foundation, where he and his wife, Tara, work tirelessly to help those who have been touched by organ donation. Todd is honored to lead the foundation that has helped contribute to the registration of millions of new organ donors and is still changing the conversation about organ donation. Tara Storch is first and foremost a mom, but she is also a sales and marketing professional, is active in her church, and is a community leader. Along with her husband, Todd, she cofounded Taylor's Gift Foundation. She leads the marketing efforts of the foundation with the mission to "increase organ donation to Regift Life, Renew Health, and Restore Families." She loves helping others recognize the beautiful gift we all have within. Todd and Tara have shared their story on Good Morning America , The Today Show , The Ellen DeGeneres Show , and other national media. They are the parents of Taylor, Ryan, and Peyton, and have made their home in Texas. Jennifer Schuchmann specializes in collaborations with celebrities and newsmakers. Among her many books, she is coauthor with Kurt and Brenda Warner of the New York Times bestselling First Things First ; with Da