The Vian community is coming together in prayer and support for 2-year-old Erick Taylor, who has spent nearly two months in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) fighting for his life after a sudden and devastating medical crisis.
According to his greatgrandmother, Michelle Smith of Vian, Erick has now been hospitalized for 57 days, much of that time on a ventilator in the PICU. He has undergone multiple surgeries, including repeated wound debridements and the amputation of both lower legs due to severe infection. On Jan. 14, Smith shared that Erick was again undergoing surgery for a wound vacuum procedure as doctors continue to battle infection and support healing.
“Please keep Erick and his mom and dad in your prayers today,” Smith wrote. “Erick needs prayers for his diabetes, the infection, his left lung and the healing of his legs after the amputations.”
Erick was first airlifted to Children’s Hospital on Nov. 20, 2025, after rapidly developing serious health issues.
His grandfather, Loy Taylor of Oklahoma City, wrote in a post on the fundraising website Spotfund that Erick was later diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and a severe bloodstream infection.
At one point, he was placed on ECMO — a form of heart and lung bypass used as life support in the most critical cases.
“He has been fighting for his life since he was admitted,” Taylor wrote. “He has a very long road ahead.”
Doctors have also been working to treat a dangerous infection known as pseudomonas and complications involving Erick’s left lung, including a bronchopulmonary fistula. Because Oklahoma Children’s Hospital does not have a pediatric specialist for that condition, physicians have consulted with other pediatric hospitals across the country to determine next steps.
Despite the severity of his condition, Erick has shown moments of strength that have touched those around him. On Jan. 12, Smith wrote that he grabbed her hand and would not let go during one hospital visit. “He is a warrior,” she said.
In early January, surgeons amputated Erick’s right foot above the ankle, preserving the tibia and fibula, while the left leg required removal of additional bone due to more extensive damage. He remains sedated, on pain medication and on a ventilator as doctors continue to monitor his recovery.
The emotional toll on Erick’s parents, Landon and Brianna Taylor, has been compounded by financial strain.
Loy Taylor said Erick’s father lost his job during the ordeal, and his mother has been on Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave, leaving the family struggling to keep up with mounting medical and living expenses.
A Spotfund account has been established by Loy Taylor with a $5,000 goal to help cover immediate needs. As of Friday afternoon, $1,655 had been raised.
Beyond short-term expenses, the family faces a lifetime of specialized care costs. Erick will need double prosthetics once healing is complete, and because he is only 2-years-old, those prosthetics will need to be replaced repeatedly as he grows.
The family is also hoping to raise funds for a diabetic alert dog to help manage his Type 1 diabetes.
“The goal is to raise money for a diabetic alert dog, as well as the enormous cost of prosthetics after the healing is complete,” Smith wrote. “Since he is just 2, that will be expensive for a lifetime of double prosthetics.”
In addition to the online fundraiser, a benefit bank account has been set up at Armstrong Bank in Erick’s name for those who wish to contribute locally.
Family members and friends continue to ask for prayers and support as Erick faces months of recovery and rehabilitation ahead.
“He’s fighting as hard as he can,” his parents wrote in an earlier update. “Please, please, keep praying for my baby.”
Donations can be made through Spotfund, and prayers and messages of encouragement are welcomed by the family as they stand by his bedside, hopeful for healing.
