Humble Beginnings

When Linda and Larry Walsh filled their first order for SureFit™ stretcher sheets in the summer of 2005, they printed the paperwork in the dining room, packed boxes in the family room and made the delivery in the family Suburban. It was a humble beginning for their new family business, but they knew their hard work would pay off. Not only did they sell a high-quality product and foster the ambition to grow a successful business, but they also had a legacy to build.

It's in the Name

Naming their company was an easy task. They needed a name that would reflect the strength of their product line, commitment to service and the character of their future employees. The choice was a natural one – name it Taylor Healthcare Products, Inc. after their youngest son, Taylor.

Taylor Walsh was born in February 1989. Taylor’s birth was normal, but as he missed milestones, it became apparent he would face a life full of challenges, both mentally and physically. While doctors were unsure of what lay ahead, they believed he would never walk or talk and that his mind would not develop beyond that of an infant. Puzzled by his condition and unsure of his strength and determination, doctors said that he may only live to be 3 years old.

Beating the Odds

But Taylor had other plans. He defied medical experts as months turned into years and years turned into decades. He loved to be pushed on his swing in the backyard and to swim in Larry’s arms in the family pool. At the age of 5, he started a special program at school. As a student in a special education class, Taylor connected with his teachers and friends in his unique way and was beloved by everyone who aided him. His love for life, family and friends was obvious in his small gestures, joyful smile and infectious laugh. Taylor sang along, in his own language, to Frank Sinatra and cheered on his older brother, Austin, from the sidelines at The Woodlands Highlander’s football games.

He went everywhere the family went. If he wasn’t at school and was feeling up to it, he accompanied Linda and Larry to work at the company’s first warehouse, where he enjoyed watching movies and listening to music in the office. As a teenager Taylor’s health slowly declined.

In early 2009 Taylor Healthcare outgrew their cramped space and moved to a larger office and warehouse. The move was exciting for both the company and Taylor. He got his own office with his favorite things including all the Disney movies he could watch. His office was perfectly nestled between Linda and Larry’s offices. With large picture windows between the offices the three of them were constantly connected. Linda and Larry could always see Taylor and he could see them. His smile became a fixture at the corporate office where he served as a reminder to the values of the company that shared his name.

Building a Legacy

After years of fighting for life and too many bouts of pneumonia to count, Taylor passed away on December 27, 2009. He died peacefully at home in his family’s arms.

That evening when paramedics arrived at the home, they realized they were in the presence of the special person that inspired some of the products they use every day. A paramedic, named Rhonda, left Linda and Larry with a comforting message – she would remember their son every time she opened a pack of sheets or covered a patient with a Taylor Healthcare blanket.

In the days following their loss, Linda and Larry received a call from an old friend. She had just heard about Taylor’s death from her son, a Montgomery County fire fighter. Word had spread, from ambulances to fire stations across the area, that the little boy behind the name on the stretcher sheets and blankets had just died. Rhonda and her colleagues were telling Taylor’s story.

Taylor has and will continue to touch the lives of millions through the company named after him. Taylor’s stretcher sheets, blankets and pillows provide warmth, comfort and protection for patients every day.

Taylor left a legacy of compassion, determination and respect for every human being. With each case of product that leaves the warehouse a little bit of the legacy goes with it, as the company logo is also a reflection of Taylor; the star represents the “North Star” because Taylor is the company’s guiding light.

Now you too know Taylor’s story.