Taylor Nicole Pinkas Rogers

Taylor Nicole Pinkas Rogers, born Feb. 6, 1999, died Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009, at 1:45 p.m., at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center in St. Louis. The daughter of Jodi Pinkas, of Edwardsville, she resided with and is survived by her great aunt Debbie Dycus, of Edwardsville, who had been her loving caregiver/guardian for the past nine years. She is also survived by Kenneth (Lindsay) Dycus, of Hamel, Matt Dycus (Natalie Isaak), of Edwardsville, Kirsten Dycus; two half sisters, Jaidyn and Jazdyn Miles; grandparents, Scott Pinkas, of Edwardsville and Debbie Reed, of Glen Carbon; an uncle, Kevin Pinkas of St. Louis; great grandmothers, Bernice Pinkas of Edwardsville and Alta Berniece Thomas of Glen Carbon; aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and her amazing, loving and dedicated pediatrician, Dr. Jamil Rana. She was preceded in death by her great grandfathers Frank L. Pinkas and James R. Thomas. Taylor was born healthy and typically developing but was the victim of Shaken Baby Abuse/Abusive Head Trauma at the age of 10 weeks. Not expected to live, she survived defying all odds. Her struggles were many but her accomplishments even greater. She was confined to a wheelchair, unable to move her body or speak, but her smiles and laughs spoke volumes. She loved listening to her music, having Kirsten play with/for her and going to the beach in Florida to listen to the waves crashing to the shore. She was known to many in the local area, across the State of Illinois, the United States and internationally as an icon in the efforts to educate on and end Shaken Baby Abuse/Abusive Head Trauma. In her short life Taylor attended four national shaken baby conferences, two of them in Canada. With the help of her Aunt Debbie, Taylor educated many students in local school districts, daycare providers, and professionals on the dangers of shaking a baby and how to cope with a crying baby. Taylor also testified before the House and Senate in Springfield, Ill., and without saying a word she helped bring about change and awareness with the help of Senator William Haine and his legislative assistance Cheri Frizzo. Taylor was a third grade student at Albert Cassens Elementary in Glen Carbon and previously a student at Leclaire Elementary in Edwardsville, Hamel Elementary and Midway Elementary. She loved going to school to be with her peers, dedicated teachers and staff, therapists and everyone she encountered at school. She also loved riding the bumpy bus to school when she was well enough. Her life was short but she gave great joy to her family and everyone she met and they will forever remember her beautiful smile, determination, courage, strength and purpose. Her legacy will live on in the continued efforts of those dedicated to SBS/AHT education and prevention. Rest peacefully now and soar on your beautiful angel wings with all the other SBS angels who have gone on before you. Memorials may be made to the National Shaken Baby Coalition or the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome in Taylor’s memory. For those who want to make a donation in Taylor’s honor: (For a tax deductible contribution 501 c 3): National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome, 2955 Harrison Blvd No. 102, Ogden, UT 84403-indicate in honor of Taylor Nicole Rogers. The donation will then be directed to the family or to the Family Scholarship Fund, so one of these choices should be specified also.) For donations that are not tax deductible (501 c 3 is not in place yet): The National Shaken Baby Coalition, 652 Frederick Street, Edwardsville, IL, 62025-1223.