Taylor Swift just gave $50,000 (and a special note) to an 11-year-old fan in need
Taylor Swift is setting a new precedent for what it means to be a celebrity who gives back. It seems like any time she senses one of her fans are in need, she comes to their aid in the most valuable, personal way. Because there have been so many instances of this, we’ll just focuses on the past month alone. In the last few weeks, the chart-topping singer and all-around American icon has thrown a surprise wedding reception for two of her recently-hitched fans, helped another couple announce their pregnancy at one of her concerts, and awesomely helped a fan who had to miss her concert due to airline delays. Now, T-Swift has stepped up her efforts: she’s donated $50,000 (yes, $50,000) to 11-year-old Naomi Oakes, who is suffering from leukemia.
Just three days ago, Naomi’s father posted a heartbreaking video explaining his daughter’s plight. Naomi, a dedicated Swift fan, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia on June 25th. This is an incredibly aggressive form of leukemia that requires Naomi to stay in the hospital for the entirety of her treatment—between six to nine months. That’s a long, long time to be in the hospital, especially for an 11-year-old. On top of that, she has to miss the Taylor Swift Phoenix concert in August — her Christmas present, which she would be attending with her “bestest best friend” Piper, according to the video.
Oh, and Naomi’s fight song in her battle against cancer? T-Swift’s “Bad Blood.”
“We are obviously scared and concerned for our girl, but she has been a trooper and is positive about getting better,” her father wrote on a GoFundMe account dedicated to raising money for Naomi’s treatment. “. . . I think she has a hard road to travel, [and] we are honored to be with her for the difficult journey.”
The family is unsure how much Naomi’s medical expenses will cost them, but it’s looking like it will be a very, very high number. “Shannon, Naomi’s mother, was met with a $2,000 medical bill within their first 48 hours of this journey, and the medical [expenses] keep growing,” the family’s GoFundMe page reads. “Our goal is set at $30,000 but we aren’t really sure how much more these expenses will grow over the coming months.”
But the family was also hoping for something for Naomi’s morale: a nod from T-Swift. “We’re hoping to get Taylor Swift’s attention with this video, and maybe get her to share a #TeamNaomi on her Instagram,” the family said in the video.
That would be awesome, but this is Taylor we’re talking about. She gave Naomi way, way more than a hashtag shout out. She helped the family pay for medical expenses, providing $50,000 broken up into four donations. And that’s not all: She also posted a special note to cheer up Naomi.
“To the beautiful and brave Naomi,” Taylor’s note on the GoFundMe page reads. “I’m sorry you have to miss [my concert], but there will always be more concerts. Let’s focus on getting you feeling better. I’m sending the biggest hugs to you and your family.”
The money, of course, is astounding — with donations from over 200 other people, the total amount the family has raised is more than double their goal at over $66,000. But what was even more amazing — the giant grin on Naomi’s face when she realized Taylor had sent her a message.
Thankfully, it’s all caught on video. Naomi can barely speak, she’s so happy — but when she finally does, it’s absolutely heartwarming. Watch the video below, and be prepared to cry.
If you want to help Naomi in her fight, you can still donate to the GoFundMe here.
(Image via Youtube, Instagram)
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