Supporting the recovery of
Taylor Macklin
- recovery@taylormacklin.ca
Taylor Macklin is a beautiful, loving and selfless 18 year old girl from Baltimore Ontario.She was born and raised here in Northumberland county and has returned home for the summer from Queen’s University.
On June 14th Taylor was turning to go to work at Dalewood Golf Club when her car was rear ended by a dump truck at full speed. She is in the ICU of a Toronto hospital with very serious injuries and is expected to remain there for quite some time.
This page has been set up to help coordinate efforts to support Taylor and her family while she travels the long road to recovery. If you are interested in sending a message of support to the family or sharing a photo of Taylor that you love please fill out the form below or email recovery@taylormacklin.ca!
An account has been set up in her name for automatic deposits and 100% of funds will go directly towards Taylor’s needs now and in the future.
Donations can be made by e-transfer to recovery@taylormacklin.ca
UPDATES
September 27 – Today was Taylor’s Mom Chantel’s Birthday but also check in day at Sunnybrook Hospital for updated X-Rays and follow up doctors appointments. Still a long ways to go but we got the BEST news! Taylor is now able to put weight on her left side which means she can officially stand on her own two feet again for the first time since June 14th!!
She has been attending physio multiple times a week and working on building up strength. This new advancement will allow her to work on a whole new set of skills that will put her on the path to walking independently again. She has really been putting in the hard work physically and mentally to overcome the challenges of the last few months.
Way to go Taylor! We are so proud of you. You got this!!
September 24 – A huge thank you to The Thirsty Goose in Port Hope for dedicating their 2022 Annual Charity Golf Tournament in support of Taylor. It meant so much to have the community come together and show their support! What an amazing event. A special thanks to Craig Killingbeck for all his efforts reaching out to our family and helping get this event up and running. It was so appreciated! Photo credit to The Thirsty Goose.
September 14 – Thank you to everyone who came out to the Scissors Edge today for the Haircut-a-thon Event in support of Taylor! It was a huge success! A fun day of draws, snacks and beautiful haircuts.
Thank you so much to the team at Scissors Edge for putting this all together and donating your time and talents to make it a success! You can learn more about them online at scissorsedge.ca.
September 3 – This is the weekend Taylor should have been moving back to Kingston for the semester to live with all of her University friends. Unfortunately that isn’t going to be possible now. Luckily though she has an amazing support network and was still able to get up for the weekend to visit with them. They have all been so amazingly supportive through her whole journey so it was nice to be able to celebrate the start of the school year in some small part with them.
Unfortunately the University is not going to be able to accommodate Taylor’s needs for most of her classes so she will be doing a reduced number this semester. They don’t offer the classes for her major online and wouldn’t allow for her to participate using the video recordings of the lectures. Since it isn’t possible for her to get to class and sit for the length of lectures at this stage of the healing process she has decided to do the classes she can do and make up the rest at a later date.
With her full schedule of physio and doctors/specialist appointments it will likely work out for the best this way even though it will push her graduation date back a bit. We are so proud that after everything she has been through she is still so motivated to try and succeed at University despite the huge barriers in her way.
August 31 – The break in Taylor’s hand has healed well enough she is now able to go without the splint on it. Yay! This means she will be able to use a more standard form of crutches to get around short distances inside the house/when out visiting which will make it less cumbersome than the walker or specialty arm brace crutches she needed to use before. She is still another 3 weeks or so away from being able to start putting any weight on her left side so the wheelchair will be her main way of getting around for a while yet. She has been attending physio multiple times a week and working on building up strength and flexibility in the areas that she is allowed to work on.
August 17 – As September inches closer the reality of how different things are going to be this year at University begins to set in a bit more for Taylor. She had rented a house in Kingston for the upcoming school year with her close friends but with everything that has happened those plans will have to change. This is hitting her pretty hard. Her friends are packing and readying to head back to the daily grid of University but she is left in a bit of limbo waiting to see what the future will hold. Juggling constant doctors and medical appointments and learning to navigate life in a wheelchair rather than hanging out with friends and enjoying the University lifestyle is not what she had envisioned.
For now she has signed up for a few online classes but nothing from her major is available online at Queens so she must wait for the Universities decision on whether they will accommodate her needs.
(Photo is the day last year when the girls all signed their lease for the house they were to share come September).
August 15 – Taylor and her family had their first weekend away since the accident at a family friends cottage. It was nice for them to get a bit of down time together to just relax. Not the same type of cottage weekends Taylor had planned this summer, no jet skis or tubing this year, but she is so thankful to be out of the hospital and living life with her family at her side.
August 12 – Taylor has been attending physio regularly and has reached out to local resources for mental health supports to help work through some of the trauma following the accident. She continues to experience high levels of pain as she heals but is adjusting well to being at home and has appreciated the privacy that it brings. She is so thankful to the community for their ongoing support. Chantel has learned to handle loading/unloading and setting up the wheelchair like a pro so they can get out for short trips to the store or to visit family/friends.
August 10 – Taylor returned to Sunnybrook for a follow up with her surgeon. Everything seems to be progressing but he would like her to continue to not bear any weight on the left side for another 6 weeks which means very limited mobility for the time being. She is able to have the arm splint removed August 31 if all goes to plan so that will help her be able to use crutches more than the walker for short distances. Longer distances will still require the wheelchairs for the foreseeable future.
August 6 – Taylor had her first big outing since the accident to see her Dad Jeremy perform at the Northumberland Rocks Back concert in Cobourg. She was able to come for just his portion of the concert, but it was a big milestone we didn’t think would be possible even a few weeks ago. Everything went really well and Jeremy put on a great show! A big shout out to the staff at the venue who cleared space to pull up right to the fence for drop off, who gave us bags of ice to help with discomfort when sitting started to get too difficult etc. It was great to see everyone in the community after so long.
August 5 – The first week at home has been filled with some ups and downs but overall went well. It is nice to be close to friends and family to take advantage of the large support network. Visits with the home care nurse, and physio went well. Taylor has been having a large amount of pain in her leg/thigh that makes it difficult to maintain one position for long that will be followed up with the doctor next week. Incisions and other wounds are continuing to heal as time goes on. She is still unable to put any weight on her left side but is getting better at using the walker with just the right foot so is able to use it around the house for short distances.
August 3 – Taylor returned to Dalewood and the scene of the accident today for the first time. It was nice for her to see all the smiling faces at the Golf course but very emotional and difficult to go back to where it all occurred as well. Her life has changed dramatically in the blink of an eye. She has come a long way but there is still a long road ahead.
July 30 – We are happy to announce that after close to 7 weeks in the hospital and rehab Taylor has returned home!! It was a bit of a whirlwind week – with only a couple days from when the decision was made to release her to line up home health care services, local rehab services, have equipment delivered etc. There were a few bumps along the way but everything was sorted out and Taylor is now safely settled in at home with all the supplies she needs to continue her healing locally.
She still has a long road of recovery ahead of her, Doctors say she is looking at 4-8 weeks before she can start putting any weight on her left foot, and up to a year before she is able to move around somewhat normally. In a couple weeks she has a follow up to see how her hand is healing, it is hoped at that time she can remove the splint which will help her be able to use crutches or a normal style walker for more mobility. She is struggling with nerve pain and numbness in her limbs due to the damage to her spine, it is unknown at this time is that is going to be permanent or if it will improve with time.
She is happy to be home but struggling with how different things are now from when she last left the house to head to work all those weeks ago. It will take some time to get used to the idea that she can’t just get up and go go go like she used to. She is able to use the walker to go short distances within the house, but anything longer she relies on the wheelchair. Sitting for long periods is still quite painful so she limits how long she spends upright each day. Being home will allow Taylor a lot more privacy over what she had in the ward room which will be a welcome change. It will also allow her the chance to catch up with friends and family who were unable to make the drive up to Toronto often to visit.
Welcome home Taylor!!!
July 25 – Taylor was able to earn her green tag this week for her walker, a big milestone that allows her to use it without the rehab team present. This was a very exciting development since it was one of the requirements that needed to be checked off before she can be considered for release to continue her rehab at home. She is still not able to put any weight on her left side at all so walking consists of hopping with the right foot using the walker, something that is hindered somewhat by her broken hand. Thankfully they have a special walker with a raised arm support to assist so she is able to use it.
July 22 – Taylor has been able to get some more time outside this week which has been a much needed break from the hospital room. Her increasing mobility makes it easier to get into the wheelchair more often than before.
The rehab team is working with Taylor every day to help her build up her strength and be able to do more of the skills needed to come home. The family is looking into upgrading the house to be accessible to Taylor such as building a ramp, relocating her bedroom and upgrading bathroom fixtures etc. It is hopeful with everything in place she will be healed enough to come home to continue her rehab locally by sometime in August.
July 21 – Taylor has begun to use the bars in the rehab’s exercise room with her team to practice standing up and to help build muscle back in her legs. Slow and steady progress every day.
She met with her surgeon earlier in the week and things are beginning to heal. He spoke about how the spine was dislocated from the pelvis in the accident and that it is amazing she is not paralyzed. A good reminder that despite the long road ahead there is still so much to be thankful for.
July 20 – Check out the video below for the recording of the episode of The Daily Wrap on Northumberland 89.7 FM that talks about Taylor and her journey so far.
July 17 – Thank you so much to everyone who came out in support of the pizza event on Friday! Check out the video below for some photos of the event.
July 17 – We are celebrating another big milestone for Taylor! She was recently able to do a couple steps with assistance of a crutch and the rehab team. Way to go Taylor we are so proud!! She is finding the pain a bit more manageable when she sits in the wheelchair than she was last week so hopefully as things continue to heal that will improve as well so she is able to get more time outside.
July 15 – Papa’s Pizza Land hosted an event in Taylors honour where they donated $5 from every special sold towards Taylor’s recovery. There was an amazing turn out and so much love and support sent Taylor’s way. Excellent pizza was had by all. They were able to see 135 specials and raise over $1100 for Taylor.
Quite a few people mentioned they were unable to get through because the phone lines were busy so the restaurant is thinking of running the special again in partnership with the Port hope location as well in a few weeks. Stay tuned for more details about that if they decide to move ahead.
July 14 – One month today since the accident! It is amazing how quickly life can change in a moment. Time has seemed to both fly by and go agonizingly slow this past month depending on which moments we reflect upon. Taylor still has a very long road of recovery ahead of her but she is making incredible improvements all the time.
Northumberland 89.7 FM had Taylor’s Aunt Cassie on their show the Daily wrap to talk about Taylor’s accident and recovery so far. For those who missed the live show stay tuned the recording will be posted when available.
July 13 – Taylor has been working hard with the rehab team all week and is making progress but has had a few setbacks. Her follow up scans and appointments with the surgeons to check progress on the healing of her spine and pelvis noted a few concerns that will lead to restrictions with weight bearing for a while longer. She is still experiencing numbness in limbs and other regions. They were concerned with a possible missed fracture in her foot that was being exasperated by the rehab since she is having issues with moving it but that doesn’t appear to be the case and is more likely related to a burst fracture in the spine. She has been unable to use the wheelchair much this week as the pain does not allow her to sit up for more than a few minutes at a time.
On a more positive note she was able to use the walker with her right foot to go a greater distance so we are celebrating that huge milestone! Taylor had some more visitors this week and that led to many smiles and hugs all around.
As summer speeds by Taylor has begun to think about what September may look like for her. She should be returning to Queens University full time but understands that will not be possible right now. Despite everything she is going through Taylor remains motivated to not fall too behind in her studies and is exploring the possibility of maybe doing some online courses while she completes her rehab. This girl is truly remarkable.
July 9 – A week of being at the rehab center is in the books. Taylor has been able to work her way up to using a walker to get some steps in across her room using her right leg which is such huge progress! We couldn’t be more proud. In the coming weeks she can start trying to put some weight on the left side of her body where most of the broken bones are located. It has been a very painful and emotional week for Taylor. Doing rehab exercises, dealing with continuing infections, healing bones, bruises etc as well as the mental toll of it all adds up but she still finds it in her to smile and try to think of the positive blessings in her life. Thank you to everyone who reached out with messages of support, donations and food. It all means so much!
This coming Friday there is a pizza fundraiser sponsored by Papa’s Pizzaland in Cobourg. $5 from every “Taylor Macklin Special” will go straight to Taylor to help with her recovery. If you end up getting pizza don’t forget to snap a photo you with your “Taylor Pizza” and send it in so we can brighten her day with all of the photos! Details about the event are above.
July 8 – Check out this article where Taylor’s Dad Jeremy speaks with Go Northumberland and 93.3 myFM
July 5 – Today was the first day meeting with the rehabilitation team at St. Johns and the first time standing up (assisted) after three weeks! A huge milestone day all around. We couldn’t be more proud. It is going to be a long painful process since the multiple broken bones in her pelvis, spine, ribs, hip and hand etc are still healing but Taylor is so strong and determined we have every faith she has got this covered! They will be working hard every day building up strength and flexibility with the goal of getting her walking again on her own.
July 4 – Still getting settled in and waiting to meet the rehab team who were off on holiday for the long weekend. Taylor did get a chance to put on some real clothes and go for a wheelchair ride around the grounds though which was a good change of pace.
July 2 (Afternoon) – Taylor is all settled into her new ward room at the rehab facility. She is lucky enough to get a big window with a beautiful view of the park! Looking forward to meeting with her rehab team in the coming days to learn more about what is to come.
(Morning)– After a setback earlier in the week involving a missed broken bone in her hand that required surgery, today is the day – Taylor is moving over to the rehab center after 18 days at SunnyBrook!
June 29 – Taylor was able to get in for the surgery on her hand today. All went well and she is back resting in her room. No word yet on when they will be transferring her over to the rehab center.
June 28 – On top of all of the hard physical work it takes to heal there is also the big emotional and mental component as well. At 18 years old (or any age for that matter) it is a lot to wrap your head around not only the loss of the ability to walk or get out of bed, even temporarily, but also the loss of independence and way of life as you know for the foreseeable future. While there are definitely ups and downs Taylor has handled these hurdles with so much grace, humility and strength.
As the days tick by events are passing that Taylor had been planning for months. The cottage weekend with all her University friends the weekend following the accident and the trip to Darien Lake last weekend hurt to miss, but visits from her friends and plans to reschedule went a long way to help. But missing bigger events like her little sisters graduation hit a bit harder. Thankfully she was able to get a BIG surprise when Brylee showed up in her graduation dress to show it off so she got to be included in some of the magic of the day. It takes a village and Taylor’s is truly an amazing one!
June 27 – Afternoon: Well today took a downturn. The lump on Taylor’s hand they kept assuring her was just swelling turned out to be a pretty bad break that had been missed. It is going to require surgery on her hand to repair it so the move to the rehab center has been postponed. Thank goodness for a strong family support network to advocate for X-Rays before the move so it was caught. A number of other health concerns have arisen so she is definitely in the best place for her right now even though it is a disappointment after this mornings indication she may be ready to move to the rehab center. We are all trying to remain positive and celebrate today’s big accomplishment of sitting up for the first time despite the setbacks.
June 27: Today is an exciting day – Taylor was able to pull and hold herself up! Something she would have been able to do without thought or effort just a couple weeks ago is now cause for tremendous celebration! Crazy how life can change in the blink of an eye. Her internal and external injuries are healing and they are keeping an eye on infections etc that needed to be addressed. Despite the immense pain Taylor is doing her best to stay optimistic and focus on taking it one day at a time.
June 24: After almost a week and a half indoors Taylor was able to briefly go outside in a wheelchair for some much needed sunshine and fresh air. She has been reading through all of your messages and seeing all of the support sent her way. She wanted to let you all know how much strength you are giving her as she fights to heal one day at a time.
The family is truly blown away by how the community has come together to rally around them and to show how much they care for Taylor during this difficult time. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! She has a long road ahead but knowing there is such a wonderful support network not only at home in Northumberland County but across the Country and even in the US and overseas is so amazing to see. We are truly blessed.
June 22: Taylor has been moved over from the ICU to a shared hospital room which allows her a bit more privacy. She is now able to have a few of her personal things with her which is a nice change. Check out the video below for an update from Taylor herself!
June 21: Taylor was able to get out of the hospital bed and into the reclined ICU chair for the first time today with the help of a patient lift. Very exciting for us to see her get a slight change of position after a week flat on her back!
June 20: Taylor was resting but in good spirits today. She is still in the Trauma ICU but hopeful to move over to a regular hospital room soon. She will be remaining fairly flat for the next couple weeks while the spine and pelvis begin to heal but then will be able to start working with the team on getting up and beginning some physiotherapy.
Thanks again to everyone for all of the messages, donations, food etc. The amount of support has been tremendous and is appreciated more than words can say!
June 19: Afternoon – Taylor is out of surgery and resting. Everything went well. The surgery ran longer than expected as they decided to go ahead with the spine surgery as well as the pelvic surgery. Thank you to everyone for all the well wishes, they are greatly appreciated.
June 19: Morning – Today is the day. After a surgery earlier in the week to work on some of the deeper lacerations Taylor is stable enough and there is room in the OR so she has gone in for surgery to work on the multiple pelvic breaks, then will get set up to order a custom brace for the spine fractures.
Taylor wants to thank everyone for all of the love and support that has been sent her way. She is such a strong brave fighter. You got this Taylor!
She has been loving all the positive messages everyone has been sending in, keep them coming!
ABOUT THE ACCIDENT
Today’s Northumberland was on scene covering the aftermath of the accident. See the original article online at:
todaysnorthumberland.ca/2022/06/14/dumptruck-collides-with-vehicle-in-hamilton-township
VIDEO MESSAGES
Do you have a video for Taylor you would love to share? Send it to recovery@taylormacklin.ca or submit it using the form below.
GALLERY
Do you have a photo with Taylor you would love to share? Send it to recovery@taylormacklin.ca or submit it using the form below.
SUBMISSION FORM
A dedicated email address recovery@taylormacklin.ca has been set up to receive emails with well wishes, photos, donations, etc. This will work as a central hub so the family can keep on top of them. When Taylor recovers she will be able to look through all of your messages and see how much love and support the community has rallied around her.
SHARE:
Donations for Taylor can be made by e-transfer or PayPal to: recovery@taylormacklin.ca