Taylor Train, an Andover resident, found himself face-to-face with a terrifying tornado that barreled toward his home on a recent Friday evening. As he recorded the approaching storm, he watched in disbelief as the powerful winds ripped his fence from the ground.

Realizing the imminent danger, Taylor rushed downstairs to join his wife and children in seeking shelter. However, just as he reached the top step, the storm’s force knocked him back. Miraculously, he escaped injury. Reflecting on those harrowing moments, Taylor describes the experience as “utter chaos, like living through hell on earth. The sounds and the sheer physical force were beyond comprehension.”

Once safely in the basement, Taylor and his family huddled together until the storm passed. When they emerged, they found their home still standing, though it had suffered significant damage.

“We lost everything, but the most important thing is that my wife and three boys are safe,” Taylor said. “I’m blessed to have my family here with me, and that’s what truly matters.”

In the days following the tornado, the Train family received overwhelming support from the Andover community, including from Brian Rawson, a man with a personal connection to Taylor.

Just a few months earlier, in June, Brian had suffered a cardiac arrest while cycling. By sheer luck, Taylor was driving by and immediately stopped to administer CPR until emergency responders arrived.

“Taylor saved my life, and not just my life, but the quality of it,” Brian shared. “Thanks to him, I’m back at work and able to continue teaching. None of this would have been possible without Taylor’s quick actions.”

The bond between the two families has only grown stronger since that day. When Brian heard about the damage to Taylor’s home, he knew he had to help. He set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds for the Train family.

“This is a chance for others to rally around Taylor and his family, to give back just a fraction of the kindness he showed me,” Brian said. “I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to support them.”

For Taylor, the outpouring of support has been a lifeline during an incredibly challenging time. “Without Brian and the community, getting through this would have been much harder,” Taylor expressed.

Both friends agree that their story is a testament to the power of a single act of kindness.

“It’s the power of doing good that has made all of this possible,” Brian said.

“It only takes a small gesture to have a huge impact on someone else’s life,” Taylor added.