January 4, 2010 started like any other day for Aaron Taylor. He woke up at 5 a.m., ate breakfast with his father, grabbed his lunch and was out the door. He started his truck and drove toward work. Little did he know three miles into his journey, his life would change forever.

Taylor, 21, is the third of four children. The natural athlete played multiple sports while being home-schooled, and was an accomplished surfer and skim boarder. He also competed in several lifeguard competitions as a teenager. He was a popular guy, and spent lots of time surrounded by friends. He was a hard worker, and started his first job at age 15.

As Taylor made his way to work, a distracted driver pulled out in front of his truck. There was nothing he could do and they hit head on. Taylor’s truck was destroyed, the cab and bed separating from the frame. The impact was so violent, the seat belt broke his collarbone, his right femur snapped in half, his ankle was destroyed, and most of his face was smashed. The list of Taylor’s injuries reads like an anatomy exam.

It would be nine days before Taylor woke up. When he finally did, he first asked for his family. He did not know where he was, nor did he know how old he was, which he describes as being weird. He was talking to a nurse, but he could not figure out why he could not see or use his arms or legs.

Taylor spent the next few months recovering from multiple surgeries. First, his right femur was rebuilt with a titanium rod. His face was reconstructed with alloy – one eye socket is made out of titanium, the other held together with steel mesh.

While in the hospital, Taylor was told he might never walk, run or surf again. Those words hit him hard, but he was determined to face whatever outcome with a positive attitude.