At just ten years old, Tayt received a heart transplant that gave him hope for a normal life. But the same medications keeping him alive caused post-transplant lymphoma, a rare cancer. In 2024, he faced another cruel blow—bladder cancer at 18. Despite aggressive treatment, it spread quickly, and doctors said he had four months left. He lived three. His family said, “While our souls feel shattered and lost, we are so thankful that Tayt is finally free. No more pain, no more appointments, no more treatments.”

Tayt became known after his 2013 appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, where he nervously told Ellen she was his “girlfriend.” Ellen laughed and called him her “only boyfriend.” Their bond continued for years, and she often invited him back, celebrating his heart transplant and his courage.

His motto, “Just keep swimming,” inspired everyone who followed his journey. Ellen later said, “He was a very special little human being… I will miss him.”

Despite his short life, Tayt graduated high school, traveled, and brought hope to others facing illness. His story wasn’t about tragedy but strength. As his family said, Tayt’s spirit lives on—free, fearless, and forever swimming.