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- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 29 Sep 2006.
The Dream Connection Creates a Dream In a Day For Taylor McMahan
(c)2006 NPT PHOTOS BY WALT REESE From left, Tyler, Taylor, Jamie and Bill McMahan anxiously await completion of a 16x30 foot above ground swimming pool. In the background, Tyson Randall and Kevin Hemry of Smoky Mountain Pools work feverishly to get the job done.
By: Walt Reese
Source: The Newport Plain Talk
09-29-2006
NEWPORT- An East Tennessee Non-Profit organization known as The Dream Connection Inc. has made a dream come true for Taylor McMahan, a 9-year-old Edgemont School fourth grader who has been diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia, and is undergoing bi-weekly chemotherapy at East Tennessee Children's Hospital in Knoxville, as well as daily chemotherapy at home. The honor roll student who is also a cheerleader and gymnast is presently receiving home schooling from Cindy Runnion, a teacher at Edgemont School. Taylor's special dream was to have a swimming pool. Thanks to The Dream Connection and Smoky Mountain Pools of Lenoir City, Loudon Co., the 16x30 foot above ground Kayak pool that ranges in depth from four to five and a half feet was installed in a single day. According to Bob McConkey, a member of the Dream Connection Board of Directors and a Pharmacist at East Tennessee Children's Hospital, Taylor was referred to the organization by Regina Johnson, a Hematology/Oncology Social Worker at the hospital. Taylor resides in Newport with her parents, Bill and Jamie McMahan, her brother Tyler, 11 and a sixth grade Edgemont student, and their two dogs, Teika, a Chihuahua, and Lexie, a Teacup Poodle. Her treatment is expected to enter a maintenance phase in December that will continue until August of 2008. She may be allowed to return to school after Christmas of this year. When asked what makes her most happy Taylor replied "My swimming pool and my doggies." She also added "It's great that there is an organization that allows kids to take their minds off their illness." According to Jamie McMahan the family is grateful to the many churches, civic organizations and private individuals that are assisting during this trying period. She cited Chuck Raines who did the backhoe work for the pool; Donald Suggs who is providing electrical work, and Brockwell Construction who are performing landscaping finish work for the pool area. She also said "It is good to know that there are so many people who care." A Benefit Hobo Supper and Auction will be held from 4-6 p.m. at Edgemont School on Saturday, Sept. 30, to assist the family. The Dream Connection is headquartered in Knoxville and was incorporated in October of 1985. All of its workers are volunteers, and 100 percent of the contributions received go to fulfilling the dreams of the 3 to 18-year-old children they serve. Approximately 60 children a year are presently having their dreams come true. The organization raises funds through corporate gifts, a WIVK Radiothon in December of each year, an auction held each autumn and through individual tax-deductible contributions. The Dream Connection may be reached at (865) 971-2447 or at www.dreamconnection.org.
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 14 Sep 2013.
Matthew Bailey and Taylor McMahan's baby shower
A baby shower on Aug. 29 at the Newport Utilities Building celebrated the upcoming birth of Matthew Bailey and Taylor McMahan’s ? rst child (a girl Baby Azlinn). The party was hosted by family and friends. Pictured are Jamie McMahan (mother of Taylor) the honored couple and Brenda Kuykendall ( grandmother of Taylor and soon to be great grandmother).
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Abt 1997 - (~ 27 years)
