12:38 PM CDT on Thursday, July 13, 2006

By Shern-Min Chow / 11 News

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A Conroe teenager dreamed of becoming a Marine and serving his country.

KHOU-TV

Private First Class Kris Taylor faces a battle for his life.

He was living that dream when doctors uncovered a serious problem.

Now the young Marine is facing a new fight. 

Private First Class Kris Taylor at 18 is already a combat veteran. His enemy?  An aggressive and now inoperable brain cancer.

“Every day is the prayer that this is the stuff that is going to stop it,” his mother said.

He is at M.D. Anderson for another round of chemotherapy. Doctors are using an experimental treatment which may prolong his young life.

“Ever since I could almost pronounce the word I’ve wanted to be a Marine,” said Taylor.

Like his dad.  So the Caney Creek High School student enlisted on his 17 ^th birthday. He began suffering severe headaches and other problems, but refused to let his drill sergeant know.

Going through boot camp he was determined he was going to make it thorough, even though he was very ill.

He graduated from Camp Pendleton on his 18^th birthday.   Shortly afterwards, in November, he collapsed.

That night surgeons removed a tumor.   Last month, it returned.

As a result, he and his mother have now returned to Texas.

“I’ve lost 40 pounds,” he said.

“We don’t talk about dying. We talk about living, that’s what we do,” his mother said.

His story circulated over the Internet.   Military supporters have sent encouragement

“And the tumor was completely gone, so it does happen,” said Taylor.

This, for the teenager who witnessed to others from his own hospital bed.

“I’ve served God.  I’m proud of that, and I served my country. To me I’ve been the best American anybody could be,” Taylor said.

His family knows his life may now be measured in weeks and that courage is not always measured against bullets or bombs.

“We’re not promised tomorrow so I shouldn’t be upset. I might not have tomorrow."

If you should have the privilege of meeting Taylor, you will marvel at how he can tell you his entire story without shedding a single tear.

He wants to ride a cutting horse once more and go fishing—simple things his family and doctors hope can be arranged.   

To help Taylor, visit   www.soldiersangels.com (Soldiers Angels).