Talen Charles Birt was born on June 22, 2005, to loving parents Matthew and Michelle Birt, and was their youngest child, preceded by his two compassionate sisters: Kennedy Karde' and Karis Kerringtion Birt. Talen was adored by his devoted grandparents: Charles and Alice Sapp (maternal) and Mary Birt (paternal). He had close relationships with many of his relatives including his loving uncles and aunts: Terrell and Gloria Brown; Mike and Christie Johnson; Gerald and Kimberly Dunlap; Angela Myers as well as their children, Talen's cousins: James, Kylie, Laila, Christopher, Logan, Kenneth, Jasmine, Jeremy, Sherrell, LaToya, Dennis and Denyell. The entire family admired his resolve, his faith and they will continue to walk his legacy of love, compassion and giving to others. Talen was also blessed to have his caring Godparents in his life: Anthony Thompson and Selena Samuels.

On Thursday, May 13, 2019, Talen received a life-altering diagnosis, Osteosarcoma.

However, despite hearing about his condition, in true Talen fashion, he responded by saying, "God is positive. So, therefore, I am positive." Talen had many interests including sports, school, time with friends and family, and of course, food. Talen's favorite places were theme parks like Disney World, Universal Studios, and Islands of Adventure. Everyone that knew him, knew how much he enjoyed food from Chick-fil-a and pizza from Papa Johns.

Talen enjoyed spending time with his family: playing games, eating, clowning around, and going to the movies. Talen also enjoyed anything sports related, especially playing competitive football, baseball, and basketball. Unfortunately, the surgery required to remove the cancerous tumor from his leg, prevented him from walking without assistance where he was no longer able to play competitive sports.

However, that did not dim his competitive spirit and he remained positive and focused on getting well and doing the things he enjoyed. Osteosarcoma did not prevent him from living strong and believing he would walk again, which was an inspiration to so many. Although Talen was by his father's description, "a man of few words", when he talked, he made an impression on people. That impression was felt by his family, his friends, and those in his community.

Talen had many achievements. He was in National Honor Society of High School Scholars at Andrew Jackson High School, Class of 2023. Because of his positive attitude and outlook, he was one of Wolfson Hospital's 55 patients selected to represent the thousands of children that were cared for by all the doctors and nurses at Wolfson. In 2015, he was a member of the Forestview Football Pop Warner team that went on to become Runner-Up National Champions. He made the North Florida Hurricanes traveling baseball team and was strong player and competitor against every opponent. Talen was also a member of Teen Leaders of America and Communities in Schools. Education was an important part of his life and after graduating from Andrew Jackson High, Talen planned to attend FAMU or FSU to study and obtain a degree in Engineering. He planned to get married and have children.