Kenna Taylor

Have you ever gone through a struggle, almost gave up, but kept on fighting and beat the odds? Have you ever felt like your whole world was crashing down and you honestly believed you couldn't make it through? Have you ever looked into the real eyes of life and realized that no matter what, it's beautiful. For me, I face these circumstances almost every day of my life.

My name is Kenna Brooke Taylor, I was born on May 8th in 1997 and I am 16 years old. When I was about two days old, I was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited disease that affects the lungs, digestive system, and sweat glands. It also can cause many other problems in life. Because of CF I have to take many treatments and pills just to stay somewhat healthy every day. I spend a lot of time at the doctors and in and out of Vanderbilt Children's Hospital.

Cystic Fibrosis does not define who I am though it has molded me into the person I am today. A lot of people with long term illnesses use it an excuse or just sit around feeling sorry for themselves, I'm not one of those people. Despite my troubles, I try my hardest to be as “normal” as possible. I strive to be a good student and further my education to go into the medical field. I have a small part time job as a waitress which I enjoy. I push myself to run every chance I get to increase my lung capacity. I adore country music, Nashville and its gorgeous skyline, and I am head-over-heels in love with Luke Bryan.

I had a car accident on July 13th 2013 that totaled my car and landed me in the hospital for five long weeks with a concussion, bruised lungs and a severe lung infection from all the stuff that blew up from my car. I was taken by ambulance to my local ER, sent home hours later in extreme pain. I had no choice but to be admitted at Vanderbilt because I could hardly breathe and the pain was unbearable. That admission was one of my toughest ones. Instead of getting better, I was getting worse. After three weeks my Doctors decided to send me home for a few days to give my body a break. I went home for a few and was then readmitted to the 6th floor for the first time.

A couple days later, Keley Roller was admitted to that same floor. I believe that everything happens for a reason. Everything that has ever happened to me, I find a reason for it and I believe that is what keeps me so strong no matter what happens to me. The only reason I can find for my car