Mum’s loving embrace as beautiful Finn Taylor dies in her arms

“Cheeky smile, deep brown eyes”: A Brisbane mother has revealed the moment she knew her bright little boy would die, and her grief as he faded away in her arms.

A south Brisbane family have said goodbye to their ‘gentle and caring’ two-year-old boy, after a long fight with a rare disease. Picture: Ebony Taylor

A South Brisbane family have said goodbye to their ‘gentle and caring’ two-year-old boy, after a long fight with a rare genetic disease.

Finn Taylor was diagnosed with a severe form of a rare genetic degenerative condition called Mucopolysaccharidosis IV A.

“He was an adventurous boy, always loved being outside and pottering around,” Finn’s mother, Ebony Taylor said.

“He loved going on walks and would always help you do tasks.”

“Despite being a typical energetic and busy toddler at times, his temperament was so loving, caring and gentle.”

Last year Finn’s parents, Ebony and Leroy Taylor, made the decision to do a stem cell transplant in the attempt to better his quality of life and to minimise the severity of his body’s deterioration.

Ebony, Leroy and Finn at Finn’s first birthday last year. Picture: Ebony Taylor

Finn had his first stem cell transplant on November 21, but by December his parents were told his little body had rejected the transplant.

After receiving more chemotherapy to prepare for a second transplant, Finn finally received the stem cell on January 11, the same day family friend Jack Saunders completed a 50km fundraiser run for Finn and his family.

Four days later Finn celebrated his second birthday while suffering with the side effects of chemotherapy.

“While we were waiting for that transplant to work, Finn had no immune system” Mrs Taylor said.

“He had acquired a few infections which became quite serious and meant Finn had to have a few operations to keep it at bay, as antibiotics, anti fungal and antivirals could only do so much.”

Finn celebrated his second birthday only four days after his second stem cell transplant. Picture: Ebony Taylor

By February, Finn was in the paediatric Intensive Care Unit on a ventilator and it was becoming evident to Finn’s family that his body wasn’t accepting the second transplant.

“This is when we began having difficult conversations with Finn’s doctors about whether Finn was viable for a third transplant,” Mrs Taylor said.

“As you can imagine, this is a lot for a two-year-old to go through and unfortunately, with Finn’s infections, he was not viable for a third transplant as the risk of him dying was remarkably high.

“As Finn’s parents, we did not want to push him over the edge like that either, and really prioritised his quality of life from day one.”

Finn’s parents continued to work closely with his doctors and saw Finn amazingly ‘pick up’ for a few precious weeks.

During this time doctors allowed Finn’s parents to take him home a couple of times on day passes.

“It was amazing watching him play with all his toys again.” Mrs Taylor said.

By March 16, Finn had deteriorated rapidly, with his parents discovering one of his infections had developed into pneumonia.

Leroy and Finn. This picture was taken only two days before Finn passed away. Picture: Ebony Taylor

“It became very evident, very quickly that this is what was going to take him.”

“Leroy and I continued to work closely with Finn’s treating team and we decided we wanted to transfer to (children’s hospice) Hummingbird House for Finn’s final moments, and our final moments as a family.”

Finn was transferred to Hummingbird House on March 21, and passed away peacefully in his mother’s arms at 8.28pm the next day, with his father Leroy close by.

Ebony, Leroy and Finn Taylor. This picture was taken only two days before Finn passed away. Picture: Ebony Taylor

Hummingbird House is the only children’s hospice in Queensland, and one of only three in the country.

“In total we spent 131 days in hospital before we transferred to Hummingbird House” Mrs Taylor said.

“Despite the outcome, we have a lot of peace knowing our little boy is no longer suffering and is in Heaven with Jesus.

“We had his service last Friday (March 31) at our church in Victoria Point. The turnout was a testament to the boy our Finny was.”

Jack Saunders, who ran the fundraiser for Finn last year paid tribute to Finn and the lives he touched.

“You touched so many lives in your two years on Earth, Finny boy,” Mr Saunders said.

“We will always remember your gorgeous chuckle and live life to the fullest, just as you did.”

Ebony and Leroy’s favourite photo of Finn from before he went to hospital, showing his cheeky smile and deep brown eyes. Picture: Ebony Taylor

Mrs Taylor said there was one photo of her little boy she held close to her heart — her happy blond toddler is dressed in brown overalls and flashing a brilliant smile.

“This photo is from before Finny went into the hospital — one of our favourites showing off his cheeky smile and deep brown eyes,” Mrs Taylor said.

“His temperament was so loving, caring and gentle. He would always want to give you a big cuddle and sit with you in moments of stillness.

“For such a young boy, he really knew how to portray love.”

Originally published as Mum’s loving embrace as beautiful Finn Taylor dies in her arms