At just 32 years old, Taylor Gaines has learned not to take a single day for granted.

Taylor works as a housing navigator for a nonprofit, helping people find safe and stable places to live. In 2021, she began having problems with blood clots and repeatedly found herself in the hospital. Then, in 2023, she started feeling short of breath. Living on the second floor of her apartment building, she became so winded and faint that she knew something was wrong.

Taylor went to the hospital, where doctors found a problem with her heart. An echocardiogram showed an issue with her left ventricle, requiring open-heart surgery. During the surgery, her doctor saw cysts throughout her lungs and described them “Swiss cheese.”

But Taylor’s journey was only just the beginning.

After surgery, she became septic. She spent seven months going in and out of hospitals, often facing frightening and uncertain moments. Eventually, she was referred to University of Texas Southwestern, where she was referred to Dr. Girod. In 2024, she had her first appointment, and by September 2025, she finally had an answer: LAM.

Taylor had a lung biopsy to help confirm her diagnosis. Just two weeks later, her lung collapsed. She ended up in the emergency room and had to endure three procedures in only two weeks.

Through it all, Taylor says her mother has been her rock.

“When I first became sick, she took FMLA from work, moved me into her home, and cared for me every single day for months,” Taylor says. “She was there for every appointment and every surgery, through all the tears, screams, and smiles.”

Her mother also made sure Taylor always had a comfortable and safe place to recover.

“She has been my caregiver, my advocate, my encourager, and honestly, my hero,” Taylor says. “I will forever be grateful for the sacrifices she made for me and for the love and strength she has shown me throughout this journey.”

Taylor is also grateful for the family and friends who have stood beside her, prayed for her, cared for her and continued to support her.

“I know I did not walk through this journey alone,” she says. “I will always carry that gratitude with me.”

Taylor reflects and acknowledges moments of joy. Noting that recent birthdays have been spent in the hospital, but not this year.

“This was my first birthday not in a hospital, and that was something to celebrate,” she says.

Today, Taylor takes life “day by day”. Her faith helps keep her grounded, and she has found support through The LAM Foundation and a local young adult support group for people facing serious health challenges.

When Taylor first found The LAM Foundation, she explored videos on the website and connected with her local liaison. Having information and a connection to someone who understood LAM helped her feel less alone.

Taylor is also determined to stay active. She visits the gym and uses oxygen while she exercises as she navigates the Texas heat. She finds peace in writing in her journals and shares her journey on social media. For Taylor, sharing her story is a way to build awareness and connect with others who may be facing their own health challenges.

Taylor remains hopeful and thinks about the future, including family planning.

Through all she has faced, Taylor wants her story to inspire others.

She knows there will be hard days. But she also knows there will be reasons to celebrate.

And for Taylor, every day outside the hospital is a reminder to keep moving forward in faith.