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Published Wednesday, August 13, 2008 in Health

Special birthday for special child

By Nichole Golden

The Times-Herald

A 10th birthday is a special milestone for any young girl. It's particularly meaningful for Taylor Hulsey of Newnan and her family.

Taylor, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor in February 2007, is turning 10 today.

Like most girls, Taylor likes Hello Kitty, and Tinker Bell and Disney princesses. But unlike others, she is battling a tumor rarely seen in children, a glioblastoma multiforme.

Taylor will have a small party at home with family, and was the guest of honor last Sunday at a birthday ice cream social at Royal Baptist church.

Taylor's mother, Vicki, is a single mother and is appreciative of the support of the church congregation, the group Cancer Warriors, the community, and especially her own parents, Bob and Beverly Perusse.

"My parents go with me to every doctor's visit," said Hulsey.

Taylor began having tremors, headaches, stomachaches and other symptoms in the fall of 2006. Doctors couldn't find a reason for the problems until the following February. Taylor had gone to the doctor with her grandmother, and her mother thought perhaps she would come home with a pair of eyeglasses.

Instead, Vicki Hulsey received a call that her daughter had a golf ball-sized tumor on her brain stem. It is the same type of tumor that Senator Ted Kennedy is battling.

Taylor began treatments shortly after and was doing well until her shunt malfunctioned last September. She is unable to speak or swallow on her own, and she communicates yes and no with her fingers and follows visitors with her eyes.

The Hulseys live with Taylor's grandparents, and Vicki sleeps each night in her daughter's room. A day nurse comes each day to help, and school comes to Taylor in the form of computer-based therapy.

Despite all their struggles, Vicki says she now knows the real meaning of "quality time." She asks people not to pity Taylor, but to pray for her. "Taylor and I are happy," she said. Instead of focusing on the long haul, Vicki has learned to savor each day with her child.

Taylor has to travel to Scottish Rite in Atlanta for treatments once or twice each week. Vicki had to quit her job to be with Taylor, and a fund to help with medical bills has been established for them at Neighborhood Community Bank.

While at the hospital, Vicki always seeks out the other parents of cancer patients to help support them.

"Vicki is such a beautiful person. I was in the hospital with her many times since my son was battling cancer," said Aime LaHaie. "She would always burst into my room with a great big smile on her face and a joyful attitude. She would many times uplift my spirits."

Vicki says God had to know that she would be strong enough to care for Taylor. "That's my purpose," she said.

Taylor loves to read cards sent to her, and her Sunday visits to church. "That's her connection to the outside world," said Vicki.

Taylor enjoys watching the Game Show Network and listening to Alan Jackson music.

Hulsey wrote down her child's story for friends earlier this year. "We begin a life journey with our children with optimism and hope for a great future," Hulsey said. "I appreciate life and consider each day with Taylor a precious gift. I love her so much. The best possible life is all I ask for her."