Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Broyles.
Hi Taylor, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up here on the Central Coast in Arroyo Grande, I’m grateful to call this area home. I’ve always been fueled by an active lifestyle, both in my work and in my free time. I started training in martial arts, at The Pit, when I was 8 years old. I believe this had a profound impact over the trajectory of my life. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work a wide variety of jobs, including more than eight years at Diablo Canyon Power Plant. Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, spending time outside, and staying active through martial arts and fitness. Family is also a huge part of my life—I have four younger sisters and am happily married to my beautiful wife.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In May 2024, I was involved in a near-fatal car accident. The impact broke my neck, scapula, and five ribs, caused a traumatic brain injury, collapsed both of my lungs, and ruptured my spleen. I was rushed to the Critical Care Unit at Marian Hospital, where I received multiple blood transfusions and was taken into emergency surgery to remove my spleen.
During surgery, my heart stopped, and I was resuscitated. An emergency tracheotomy was performed to keep me breathing. After the surgery, my body had endured tremendous trauma, and I had reached the limits of conventional life support. The doctors made the calculated decision to place me on ECMO—extracorporeal membrane oxygenation—a form of advanced life support that temporarily takes over the functions of the heart and lungs by circulating and oxygenating the blood outside the body.
I spent a week in this state, which I now think of as part of my healing journey. I wasn’t fully here, but I wasn’t gone either. I was somewhere in between. During that time, I experienced ICU delirium, a severe state of confusion and vivid hallucinations, that can occur during critical illness. This lasted for the duration of my hospital stay.
After a week on life support, it was time to begin weaning me off the medications and machines. When I came to my senses for the first time, connected to machines with a tube in my neck, pumping oxygen in and out. The dream state was over, I was back in my body. But there was a bigger problem. I shouted, “I can’t see!”
My family and medical team rushed to my side, shocked that I could speak and move my arms and legs. I explained that my vision was severely impaired. Everything was a blur. I could not make out what was in front of me.
Every day forward, I had small improvements that were major victories. Twelve days later, one of the nurses came into my room and said, “Today’s the day we’re going to get you to stand up.” With assistance, I stood and was able to support myself for a short time before my body gave out. From that point forward, every movement was painful, but necessary for my healing. I had lost 40 pounds and had not eaten a regular meal in weeks.
My body was badly injured, but more than anything, I wanted answers about my vision. Specialists tried everything they could, but the only answer was, “Give it time.” I spent 28 days in the Critical Care Unit without ever seeing what my hospital room looked like, or the faces of the heroes who had saved my life. I was never alone, someone was always by my side. My wife slept in a chair next to me for nearly a month. She fought for me endlessly, during a time where I could not. Along with my friends who came to support me, and my 4 younger sisters, who would rotate shifts helping make things fun in the critical care unit.
The medical care I received at Marian Hospital was so incredible, it’s hard to put into words – the complex decisions that were made, life saving efforts, a well equipped medical team working around the clock – there were no time for mistakes. The nurses felt like family! So much that, when I was discharged to a rehab facility, my family and I agreed we missed them and wanted to go back. This statement sounds crazy, but it was true. A memory that really stuck with me, was when my medical team wheeled me through the hospital, machines and all, so that I could breathe fresh air and feel the sun on my skin. Looking back on their efforts shows how great of advocates they were for my well-being. We all laughed often, despite the reality I was living. There always seemed to be a way through.Through all of this, my community—my family, friends, and even complete strangers—fought for my life and supported me during an incredibly uncertain time. As difficult as the experience was for my family and me, I believe beautiful things can come from truly ugly situations.
One year after the accident, my wife and I were married. The healing and restoration that has taken place in my life doesn’t make sense on paper. I give all glory to God.
I hope sharing even this small glimpse of my experience can encourage anyone facing a difficult season, whether emotionally or physically. My journey has taught me that healing does take time, faith, perseverance, and movement. The body and mind are deeply connected, we must try our best to care for them both.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Taylor Sweeps Professional Cleaning?
About 9 months after the accident, I was let go from disability insurance. This is when I decided to start my own cleaning service business. I wanted to connect with the community that helped keep me here. We offer health-conscious commercial and residential cleaning from Orcutt to San Luis Obispo and more. If you have a business, we would love to get in touch! Health and wellness is a passion of mine, we aim to use the cleanest products available. Cleaning is our way of giving back to the community – giving back your time, energy, peace, and freedom. We have been in business for over a year now, and look forward to the future.
Pricing:
- Depending on SQ FT and frequency
- Free consultations
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.taylorsweepscleaning.com
- Instagram: taylor.sweeps
- Other: find me on google!
