The people behind the mission.

December 31, 1999. Scott Taylor sat in a dark room holding his newborn daughter while watching the ball drop in Times Square, celebrating the millennium. In that moment, his world had changed, and he wondered what the future would hold for the miracle in his arms.

His daughter was diagnosed with congenital heart disease as a newborn, similar to Scott’s own condition but more severe. Her first open heart surgery came at age three. During that terrifying time, the Cleveland Clinic became part of the family’s story, and Scott saw the impact of donors who made life-saving care possible.

Years later, another surgery was required, this time at Mott Children’s Hospital. Again, the family’s journey continued because of medical teams, research, and the generosity of people who came before them.

Scott’s daughter later chose nursing school and pediatric oncology, using her own journey to care for children facing cancer. As that chapter began, Scott’s mother’s life came to an end. She also had congenital heart disease, which directly impacted her battle with cancer. His father later passed suddenly from a cardiac event, and his father-in-law battled cancer for a second time.

Through uncertainty, grief, and gratitude, one question remained: how do you show gratitude to those who are no longer in this world?

The answer became simple: change the world in their honor.

The Susan Ann Foundation was created to do exactly that: support medical advancement, honor the people who came before, and help future generations continue their own journeys.