When three-year-old Lily Taylor was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, her life changed overnight. The road ahead would be long and arduous, filled with chemotherapy sessions that would compromise her immune system. Simple pleasures like playing in parks were now off-limits, and her family had to be meticulous about her diet and surroundings. But one thing that broke her father’s heart was seeing her denied the joy of playtime.
Brad Taylor remembers the day Lily’s frustration boiled over. She spotted a new park and became furious when he wouldn’t let her play. “She was throwing shoes at me from the back, just furious that I wouldn’t stop the car,” he recalls. That moment sparked an idea – Brad would create a safe space for immunocompromised children like Lily to play without fear of infection.
After consulting with medical professionals, Brad designed a 5,800-square-foot complex called “Lily’s Pad.” The facility would boast an advanced HVAC system with HEPA filters and UV cleaning, similar to those found in hospitals. Each play session would be carefully managed, with qualified nursing students overseeing the children and thorough cleaning after each session.
Brad’s vision was not just about providing a play area but also about creating a support system for families navigating the challenges of serious illness. Lily’s Pad would offer counseling services, including marriage and grief counseling, as well as resources for financial assistance.
Just as construction was set to begin in April 2020, Lily completed her final chemotherapy treatment and was declared cancer-free. She even got to cut the ribbon at the construction site, symbolizing the start of a new chapter. Although the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the project, Brad remains committed to bringing Lily’s Pad to life.
When it opens, the facility is expected to have a profound impact on the children who use it. Dr. Bijal Shah of the Moffitt Cancer Center notes that the ability to play with others who understand their experiences will have a significant psychological benefit. For Brad, it’s about giving children like Lily a chance to reclaim their childhood and find joy in play. As he says, “My daughter is so excited to be able to open this place and point to the name on the wall and say ‘I’m Lily, and you can beat this.'”
