Honoring Abbey Taylor

Abbey Taylor, a 6-year-old Edina native, died in 2008 as a result of a faulty pool drain. But before she passed away, she said, “I hope this never happens to another child,” according to Alan Korn, executive director of Abbey’s Hope Charitable Foundation. The mission of the foundation is “to keep Abbey’s hope alive and realized,” he says. The nonprofit foundation won the National Water Safety Congress’s Regional Leadership Merit Award in March for its part in children’s water safety education. Abbey’s Hope was also recognized for its contributions in pushing for new regulations for pools and spas. Its efforts have helped pass both the Abigail Taylor Pool and Spa Act and the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act.The foundation offers courses for parents and adults about preventing drowning and entrapment, and also works on public education efforts and works with the pool and spa industries. It provides swimming lessons for children, with grants available for underserved children.“While it’s great to be recognized by such a prestigious organization, just knowing that our efforts are protecting children from the dangers of pool drains and from drowning is recognition enough,” says Katey Taylor, Abbey’s mom.