Taelley's Triumph: A Journey of Smiles and Strength

Taelley's life began with a long list of challenges.

Born prematurely alongside her identical twin sister in 2015, Taelley faced many early health challenges, including a pulmonary hemorrhage and hydrocephalus. Doctors told Taelley’s mom, Lindsey, that her baby would never walk, talk, or have any quality of life.

The Start of a Long Journey

Taelley's medical journey began with her first brain surgery – placing a tiny ventriculoperitoneal shunt – when she weighed just 4 pounds. Despite initial success, there were many complications. Shunts failed and became infected with staphylococcal meningitis. Taelley's resilience was tested further by a rare brain infection, mycobacterium abscessus, pushing her tiny body to the brink. Mycobacterium abscessus is a species of rapidly growing, multidrug-resistant, nontuberculous mycobacteria (very small bacteria). This infection had only been reported in the brain of a child one other time in the United States – two weeks before Taelley’s. Lindsey was told that if they don't start an intense round of antibiotics, then she would not make it. Within two months, she cleared the infection. Everyone was shocked and amazed at the resilient little girl.