*Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson Country Reciprocates
The Governor’s Proclamation Marking November 1
as “Shane Michael Taylor’s Humanizing Healthcare Day”*
In honor of November serving as National Family Caregiver Month, Tennessee’s Governor Bill Lee has issued a proclamation declaring November 1st a day of recognition for the quadriplegic motivational mentor, author and country music songwriter living with spastic cerebral palsy, Shane Michael Taylor. The celebration didn’t stop there as the Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County also issued a proclamation marking November 1 as “Shane Michael Taylor’s Humanizing Healthcare Day”.
“I grew up in the northeast, so the only way I was exposed to country music was by listening to Country 92-5 in Connecticut and by watching TNN & CMT, along with the occasional network specials. So to me, Nashville and the Land of Oz were one in the same as they existed on the screen. But deep down, I felt that Nashville and country music were calling me. Having a career in country music and calling Nashville home were far-fetched dreams. I let my heart guide and both dreams came true. There are no words to describe the emotions of being honored and embraced by both the city of Nashville and the state of Tennessee for a career in country music, which was born from a simple desire to connect as a human being. I think it shows that, wherever we currently are on life’s journey, is exactly where we are meant to be. We just need to let our hearts be our guide,” says Shane.
Shane was surprised with both proclamations (one statewide and one citywide) by Nashville councilman Robert Swope on Tuesday, October 26 at the Divas and Dudes charity board meeting at Trattoria Il Mulino in Nashville. That same night, Shane was also selected to serve as the new Executive Director of the charity.
“It is an honor and privilege to acknowledge Shane Michael Taylor’s achievements and contributions to not only Nashville and the State of Tennessee, but to the world as well. He is an exemplary role model for all of us, and we pray he continues to follow his path to assist others.” -Robert Swope, Council Member for District 4 of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County.
Divas and Dudes is the newly formed brainchild of Nashville attorney Karin Paparelli. The Tennessee non-profit organization brings hope, recognition and joy to families fighting childhood cancer and life-threatening
“Shane Michael Taylor embodies the term tenacity and is living proof that our mindset can be the most liberating factor when pursuing our dreams. Shane is a songwriter, author, motivational speaker, educator, healthcare advocate and budding philanthropist. I believe Divas and Dudes is about to jettison into a new and exciting season with him at the helm. And so it is with much delight that I pass the baton as Executive Director of Divas and Dudes to Shane Michael.” -Karin Paparelli, founder
Shane is a masterful writer who pens not only country songs, but also crafts workshops to help raise awareness around the prevalence of abuse in the caregiver industry. He selflessly uses his platform to advocate for the rights and recognition of those with disabilities and families who rely on caregiver services for survival.