In Taylor Swift’s lyrics, “It’s nice to have a friend…” It’s that sentiment that imitates real life for a Bucks County preteen after a terminal cancer diagnosis.
The Tomlinson home in Pipersville is definitely a Swiftie household.
“I think she’s amazing and inspiring,” said Lily Tomlinson.
The soon-to-be 13-year-old is a “Speak Now” girl. Although she recently entered her ‘Fearless’ era.
“As far as fearlessness goes, I’m pretty brave, I think,” Lily said with a smile.
Less than two weeks ago, the family learned the seventh-grader had terminal cancer. Her diagnosis is DIPG, a rare and fast-growing brain tumor that affects her vision, speech and mobility.
“So, just when all this awfulness started happening, what was a happy time? When did we actually forget all the woes of life?” Kelsey Tomlinson, Lily’s mother, said.
“The Best Days” for this mother-daughter duo returns to Pennsylvania’s home country Taylor Swift. Last week, Lily’s mother posted in a Swiftie Crafters Facebook group.
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Not long after, complete strangers started reaching out to each other and asking to send things. Soon friendship bracelets, cards and even a blanket appeared in their mailbox. As the #SwiftiesForLily community grew, the Bucks County mom needed to get a PO Box.
“It just blew up in a way that I never, ever, ever expected,” Kelsey said.
Messages continue to come in from all over the world. Kelsey said Swifties from India to London have reached out.
“It means a lot to me that people are trying to help me,” Lily said.
An online fundraiser is also seeing an outpouring of Swiftie support with donations of $13. The money will go towards medical costs.
“Oh, they’re moving mountains. Absolutely. They’re definitely mountains,” Kelsey said.
Nikki DeMentri
