Winter can be a formidable time of year for many who are seeking to find shelter and warmth.
Chicago is a tough place to be once it turns into a frozen tundra.
Once the frosty season comes about, everyone is ready to hibernate inside their homes for quite some time.
Unfortunately, there are those who don’t have the luxury of being inside a comfortable building throughout the treacherous blizzards that can occur around the areas harboring the Great Lakes.
That was the case for many after Winter Storm Uri struck with its furious snowfall and blistering winds.
Options were scarce and panic ran rampant.
After all, the storm resulted in record-low temperatures and brought in 18-inches of snow! Through it all, one Chicago native child endured the pain and suffering of braving through the storm all by herself.
The Englewood community of Chicago had much to celebrate when a father’s heroic actions meant the difference for a young 7-year-old girl who was found wandering in the sub-zero streets.
The man’s name is Tony Taylor and he’s a 46-year old father who was just minding his own business as he drove by the south-side of Chicago with his 5-year-old daughter.
That’s when he spotted her.
He almost jumped out of his seat when he noticed the poor girl walking all by herself with nothing on but a pink and blue onesie carrying computer around. The child was exposed to 20-degree weather, thus making her exposed to serious health consequences like hypothermia.
Given the circumstances, it was likely that Taylor arrived at the precise moment.
“I did what anyone should’ve done,” Taylor said. “I jumped out of my car in traffic, stopped traffic, took my coat off, picked her up and I called 911.”
He started a live feed on Facebook in order to try and get the attention of her parents to identify her.
“Someone please come to 59th and Halsted. I have a little girl that’s lost. I just found her on 59th and Halsted,” he said in the video. “The little girl is lost. I’m trying to help her.”
The incredible rescue nearly brought Taylor to tears.
She shaking non-stop and crying tears of sadness streaming down her cheeks.
When speaking at a press conference, Taylor didn’t know what else to say about the matter other than the circumstances which the girl braved through.
“Her feet were like icicles. (The girl) just looked at me and said, ‘Mister, sir, I love you,’” Taylor told reporters. “And I said ‘I love you too.’ I said, ‘You will be safe, and I called help and help is on the way.’ And she just said, ‘Thank you.’”
The preoccupied father made sure to accompany the girl to the hospital to make sure her recovery went smoothly. Currently, the Department of Family Services is investigating the child’s case.
Taylor’s brave deed did not go unnoticed.
The Englewood community, alongside people from around the country, have praised Taylor for his remarkable bravery and otherworldy kindness to help the little girl in her most difficult hour.
“This could’ve been a total different situation. We could’ve been standing here today offering reward amounts for a missing child. But instead we are standing here praising Tony and his wife,”
His incredible heart didn’t stop there.
Taylor and his wife announced that they were thinking of adopting the young girl as soon as the hospital signed off on her release. While that has been ongoing, he has taken time to set up a GoFundMe for the little 7-year-old.
“Hello my name is Tony Taylor,” the 46-year-old dad’s post reads. “I’m reaching out to all my Facebook family and friends for some help. I’ve decided to start a GoFundMe page for the little seven-year-old girl I found wandering the cold and frigid streets of Chicago with nothing on but a onesie. You may have seen the story on my Facebook live or the news. Ever since that day she has been heavy on my heart, and I really want to help her. I’m (asking that) you contribute by donating as little or as much as you can. With a village of supporters, $1 can go a long way. She currently is with a guardian and the funds will help with food, clothes and other necessities. In advance thank you and God Bless.”
As dark and tumultuous as the experience was for this young child, it was Taylor’s act of valor that shined a bigger light throughout this entire mess. He continues to encourage his friends and family members to keep donating whatever little they may be able to contribute.
“All I’m asking for is $1. That’s all I’m asking for,” Tony commented on a video of his, “She needs things. She’s with a guardian, but she needs things … She’s gonna always be in my heart. I’m always gonna think about her. And I want to be in her life.”
Let’s hope no child ever goes through this perilous experience again, but if they do, let’s make sure we learn from Taylor deliver a helping hand when it’s most needed.
Be sure to watch the entire video of the incident below.
To make a contribution to GoFundMe, follow this link here.
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