More About Phil

9474 exists in thanks for God's grace through the life of Phil Taylor. Phil was a child of God – son, brother, nephew, grandson, and friend – who lived 9,474 days on earth, with faith, love, family, friends and purpose for each of his days, prior to having colorectal cancer end his earthly life.

 

Phil was born in St. Louis, MO, in 1992, but spent most of his childhood in Orange County, CA, where he was raised as a baptized child of God, and developing his love of board games, spending time with family and friends, and sports.  Upon graduation from Orange Lutheran High School in 2011, Phil was accepted to Texas Christian University and succeeded as a 4-year walk-on to the Horned Frogs football team.  It was there that he grew not only as an athlete, but more importantly as a young man with a positive attitude and extremely hard work ethic, both of which would prove essential for his future diagnosis. Phil graduated with a communications degree in 2015 and went on to work as a free-lance cameraman for multiple sports teams around the DFW area. Additionally, Phil coached and mentored many young men in Middle and Upper School football for Prince of Peace Christian School.

 

In December of 2016, at the age of 24, Phil was diagnosed with Stage IV colorectal cancer. During his battle, he his positive outlook and daily focus on God’s presence was a hallmark of how he impacted so many lives, including other patients, doctors, and nurses.  

 

After a hard-fought battle, Phil received his crown of life on September 25, 2018 – 9,474 days after his birth.  It is because of how God used Phil in the midst of his battle and provided for him each day that the 9474 Foundation was created, with a purpose of providing joy to other young adults, like Phil, in the midst of their trials.