Brian P Dowd
When speaking with Taylor Nunez-Murray, you quickly learn she is many things to many people: a daughter, a wife, a mother of two, a fitness enthusiast, and an avid runner who completed the Chicago Marathon. She is even a former contributor to this very magazine you’re reading right now.
As for her career, Taylor is in her tenth year as an English and Journalism teacher at The Gerald Creamer Center here in Worcester. Not just any teacher, either, but a beloved one and the recipient of the 2026 Worcester Public Schools Educator of the Year Award. When asked about her reaction to her selection, Taylor was gracious and humble.
“(It was) just really unexpected, and it was so nice, because I felt like it was a recognition of all the work that I’ve done in my time in the public schools. It was really, really kind. To be respected for my work and for my teaching just meant the world to me.”
Unfortunately, late last year, Taylor found out she was something else, too. After multiple appointments and an initial misdiagnosis, she was officially diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or ALS. Being diagnosed with an already rare disease that is most common in men between the ages of 40 and 77, despite having no genetic predisposition, came as a devastating shock to the 37 year old. In the face of this terrible disease, an old saying of her father’s has become a motto and rallying cry for perseverance.
“My dad always said to me growing up, ‘Give it hell, T.’ And that’s it. My motto for life. When I got diagnosed, that was the first thing that he said to me. I’m not someone that takes many things lying down, for better or worse. I kind of always put up a fight, even when it’s not worth it sometimes. So that’s been our big phrase. About 12 people are walking around right now with ‘Give it hell, T’ tattooed on their bodies, including me.”
In these darkest moments, we are reminded of something else we are: loved and supported by our community. For Taylor, family, friends, colleagues, and students have shown up in spades.
“The faculty and students have been amazing. I have no words. My principal could not be kinder to me or more understanding. Even downtown administration asking ‘what do I need?’ and helping me navigate. My colleagues have made dinner for my family. My students, too, they’re so sweet. I think my school has this perception that our students are really tough but my experience has always been that they’re extremely kind and thoughtful. They have a level of understanding that you wouldn’t expect from a teenager. They’ll help me carry my things, it’s so sweet.” The kids are alright.
Her diagnosis has also introduced Taylor to a new support system in the ALS community. “You know, this isn’t a super common disease. So we’re a small group. I always call it ‘the saddest club to have a membership to’ but it’s also the mightiest group ever. I feel like when people who have a connection to ALS hear you have ALS, they completely rally around you. They understand how devastating the disease is in its own unique way.” The support of the ALS community has led Taylor to become yet another thing, a powerful ALS advocate.
“I’ve done some advocacy work at the ALS Association. In March, for ALS Advocacy Day, we went and spoke with state representatives about policies to better support ALS patients and their families. Then recently, I was the walk ambassador for The Walk to Defeat ALS, which was also through the ALS Association.”
As you can see, Taylor Nunez-Murray is a lot of things. Worcester Public Schools Educator of the Year, ALS advocate, and a true inspiration. What she isn’t, is a quitter. Give it hell, T.
