I’ve never painted my nails blue before. I don’t tend to colour my fingernails so my toes will have to suffice. And this is no ordinary shade of blue.
This is Taylor Blue, a shade developed by OPI nail laquer to honour Taylor Storch whose gift of organ donation saved several lives.
I first learned about Taylor from my friend Erin Davis’ journal. Taylor was 13 and on a family skiing trip in Colorado when she lost control on the slopes an slammed into a tree. She was declared brain dead and her family didn’t hesitate to donate her organs once they knew she was gone. Taylor’s heart saved Mom of two small boys. In fact, Taylor’s family have met all but one of the five people whose lives were saved or changed with Taylor’s organs.
Taylor Blue not only raises money but more importantly, it raises awareness of organ donation. I think it’s almost criminal that perfectly good organs are buried or burned every day while people die waiting for a transplant. Telling the government isn’t enough. Your family has to know your wishes too. Mine know that anything that can help someone live, breathe, see or repair any other malady is good to go once I no longer need it. And I’m wearing my Taylor Blue and spreading the word, as requested. It’s the least I can do in the memory of a girl who didn’t get to live one quarter of the life I’ve already had.