At 18 months, he was diagnosed with ocular cancer.  After months of chemotherapy and radiation, both of his eyes and optical nerves were removed.  Having sight, at this young of an age, was not an option.  Despite the challenges that he has faced early on, 16-year-old Taylor Howell is an inspiration, a true example of determination and perseverance to overcome whatever challenges may come his way.
Taylor was raised like any other boy.  He rode a bike, played basketball, went camping, fishing and dirt bike riding.  The oldest of four boys, Taylor didn’t let his disability keep him from anything in life…even football.  “We’ve always encouraged him to do what he wanted to do,” states mother, Jennifer.  “We just wanted him to enjoy life.”
Upon entering high school, Taylor expressed his desire to play football.  “We went and asked the local high school team if they would let me play, and Coach Jorgenson said I could,” states Taylor.  You can only imagine the fear of having your child play football but to have your child, who is blind, play football, had to be overwhelming.  “It didn’t surprise me when Taylor said he wanted to play,” states Jennifer.  “He’s always been that child to take risks and go beyond the normal.  Regardless, we supported his decision.”
Taylor would suit up with the junior varsity football team at Vasquez High in Acton.  Taylor played center.  Yes, he played tackle football, completely blind.  Teammates made an extra effort to look out for him, and despite his disability, for Taylor, it was all about winning.  “They said I couldn’t do it, but I did,” states Taylor.  The freshman took some pretty big hits, but nothing could be bigger than the hit he took when cancer took away his sight.  Regardless.  Nothing stops this teen from accomplishing his goals.
“How is football season going?” I asked.  Quickly did I discover that football was a thing of the past.  Taylor has since moved on to another passion…horses.
Every day, Taylor gets out to the arena to practice riding with his horse, Annie. After setting up barrels and prepping Annie, Taylor is ready.  And when he rides, it’s as if he’s done it for a lifetime.  “He truly has a passion for it,” states Jennifer.  “He has a connection with riding more than anything else.”
Not only does he practice, but he participates in gymkhanas, horse shows where riders show their skills in obstacle courses, races and relays.   When asked if he enjoys it, Taylor replied, “When my horse listens, I do!”
“Taylor is an inspiration to many,” states Jennifer.  “He encourages children, disabled or not, to live life, and despite his disabilities, he’s done it all.  We are so proud of him.”