Medical student credits Mum's unwavering support
At her lowest ebb, and worried about her mum, Taylor Edgley didn’t see her dream of becoming the first person in her family to go to university ever becoming true.
After her father died of cancer when she was just 12, she found herself struggling more and more with anxiety and crippling panic attacks, until she could no longer leave her Townsville home. The former straight A student dropped out of school in Year 12 – and then her beloved mum Tonia was diagnosed with lymphoma.
“My self-esteem gutted, I was diagnosed with clinical depression, and I felt sure that my life was over before it had ever really begun,” Taylor said.
“For the next four years I worked odd jobs, supported my mum though her lymphoma diagnosis and, with her encouragement, decided to return to study at age 21.”
Taylor finished high school, then completed a Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences at James Cook University in 2021. Her confidence renewed, she was thrilled to accept an offer to study medicine at JCU and is now in her fourth year.
“I’m achieving good grades, have made life-long friends, and ensure that my mental health remains a priority,” she said.
“Currently, I’m busy tutoring into the degree and preparing for Honours as well as my six-week placement in Mossman— so the future’s looking bright!”
Taylor received an AMA Queensland Foundation Medical Student Scholarship in 2024.
The $10,000 grants allow talented people like Taylor overcome financial barriers to fulfil their dreams.
But Taylor said none of it would have been possible without her mum.
“She has sacrificed her independence to allow me to move back home in order to save money and forfeits the luxuries she deserves to assist me with groceries and bills,” she said.
“Her unwavering support is the foundation on which I’ve built my future and I can never thank her enough.”
Of course for Tonia, it’s been no sacrifice at all.
“I don't really think there's any way I could be any prouder of Tay overcoming severe anxiety to become a doctor, because it shows immense strength, resilience and determination,” she said.
“Her journey is a testament to her courage and commitment— not just to her own dreams, but to helping others through medicine.”
Taylor credits Tonia with showing her and her brother a pathway through grief, by admitting when you needed help, and giving new things a try.
“I can still hear my brother and I cheering as mum reversed a trailer for the first time, and figured out how to start our stubborn old lawn mower, and hauled a queen-sized mattress up the stairs,” she said.
“Those moments of quiet strength felt bigger than they were. To us, they were proof that our mum could do anything— and therefore so could we.”
Similarly, Tonia credits her own mother – who raised four kids – with modelling courage, fortitude and pride.
“Turning 90 this year, she is still my strength and advisor to my everyday ups and downs. I carry this through the generation and proudly cheer Taylor on,” she said.
“Taylor’s dad would be so honoured to know that through his loss she has risen and excelled. Anything is possible and she is a testament to that, and she inspires me every day. Shine bright, Tay.”
This multi-generational story of love and support is a shining example of the bonds of family.
This Mother’s Day, we salute all the Mums and wish you a joyous day with the people you love.