A 12-year-old Taylor Swift superfan has been left unable to walk or talk after being diagnosed with a rare and aggressive terminal brain cancer.
Lily Tomlinson, from Pipersville, Bucks County, was recently diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a devastating brain tumor that affects the brain stem and controls critical functions like breathing and heart rate.
Despite her devastating diagnosis, Lily’s fighting spirit and love for pop superstar Taylor Swift has inspired a remarkable outpouring of support from fellow fans, ABC6 reported.
Her mother, Kelsey Tomlinson, launched the #SwiftiesforLily campaign on Facebook, asking fellow fans to send friendship bracelets, cards, and letters to lift her daughter’s spirits during this incredibly difficult time.
‘Hello! My 12 (almost 13!) year old Swiftie, Lily, was recently diagnosed with a rare and terminal brain cancer, DIPG,’ Kelsey wrote in her emotional post.
The response has been overwhelming.
Local business owner Mallory Minor from Minor Details in Manayunk is already preparing a special gift basket for Lily.
Lily’s father, Seth, described the community’s support as a glimpse of hope during their darkest hours.
A 12-year-old Taylor Swift superfan has been left unable to walk or talk after being diagnosed with a rare and aggressive terminal brain cancer
Lily Tomlinson, from Pipersville, Bucks County, was recently diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a devastating brain tumor that affects the brain stem and controls critical functions like breathing and heart rate
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‘The only thing that’s bigger than this heaviness is the support we are receiving,’ he said.
Currently, the family is making grueling two-hour daily trips to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for radiation therapy, hoping to improve Lily’s symptoms and quality of life.
‘I had my first radiation today, which went well,’ Lily told ABC6.
“The only thing that’s bigger than this heaviness is the support we are receiving,” said Lily’s dad, Seth, told the outlet.
Lily’s GoFundMe has already raised $40,290 toward its $75,000 goal.
‘Lily is kind, sweet, caring, intelligent, and sarcastic. She loves Taylor Swift, tormenting her little brother, spending time at the lake with her family, reading, music, creating art, and her friends,’ the fundraiser states.
‘Lily was recently diagnosed with a rare fatal tumor on her brainstem, diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, or DIPG. This very aggressive terminal cancer has, in a matter of days, completely changed the lives of the entire Tomlinson.
Lily now requires 24/7 care as the disease progresses. She is starting radiation treatment at CHOP to treat her symptoms, the GoFundMe explains.
Despite her devastating diagnosis, Lily’s fighting spirit and love for pop superstar Taylor Swift has inspired a remarkable outpouring of support from fellow fans
Currently, the family is making grueling two-hour daily trips to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for radiation therapy, hoping to improve Lily’s symptoms and quality of life
Lily now requires 24/7 care as the disease progresses. She is starting radiation treatment at CHOP to treat her symptoms, the GoFundMe explains
‘Lily’s parents are taking leaves from their jobs at a local mental health nonprofit to provide her care.
‘This, combined with Lily’s medical expenses, creates an immediate financial hardship for the family at a time when their focus should be on caring for their child and not worrying over finances.’