For many Taylor Swift fans, seeing her live in concert is a dream come true. But for nine-year-old Scarlett, who is fighting a rare and incurable form of brain cancer, it was more than that. It was a moment of hope, joy, and inspiration.
🎥| A fan with cancer whose wish was to meet Taylor Swift got tonight’s 22 hat PIC.TWITTER.COM/XE6CHTWBJH
— The Swift Society (@TheSwiftSociety) FEBRUARY 23, 2024
Scarlett was diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) in October 2023, a condition that affects only about 300 children in the US each year. Despite the grim prognosis, Scarlett never quit her love for music and her favorite singer, Taylor Swift.
“She always listens to Taylor’s songs and watches her videos. She knows all the lyrics by heart. She says Taylor makes her feel happy and strong,”
Said Scarlett’s mother, Emma.
When Scarlett learned that Taylor Swift was coming to Sydney for her Eras Tour in 2024, she had only one wish: to see her idol in person and get her signature ‘22’ fedora hat. The hat is a special item that Taylor throws to a fan in the crowd during her performance of the song “22”, which is about celebrating life and having fun.
Scarlett’s family and friends did everything possible to make her wish come true. They contacted the tour organizers, the local media, and even Taylor’s fan club. They also created a social media campaign with the hashtag #ScarlettFor22, hoping to catch Taylor’s attention.
Their efforts paid off. On February 23, 2024, Scarlett and her family were invited to attend the concert at the ANZ Stadium, where they had front-row seats and backstage passes. Scarlett was overjoyed to meet Taylor before the show, giving her a hug and a handmade card.
But the best was yet to come. As Taylor sang “22” during the concert, she scanned the audience and spotted Scarlett, wearing a pink wig and holding a sign that read “I’m 9 and I love you”. Taylor smiled and walked towards her, then tossed her the hat with a wink.
All the audience burst into cheers and applause as Scarlett caught the hat and placed it on her head. She couldn’t believe what had just happened. She felt like she was dreaming.
“It was the most amazing thing ever. I love Taylor so much. She made me feel special and happy. She gave me hope,”
Scarlett said.
Scarlett was not the only one who was touched by Taylor’s gesture. The singer’s kindness and generosity moved her family, friends, and many other fans.
“Taylor is such a wonderful person. She has a big heart and cares about her fans. She made Scarlett’s wish come true, giving her a memory that will last forever. We are so grateful to her,”
Emma said.
Taylor also expressed her gratitude and admiration for Scarlett, calling her “a brave and beautiful girl” and “an inspiration to everyone.” She posted a photo of them together on her Instagram account with the caption,
“Scarlett, you are amazing. I’m so happy to meet you and give you the 22 hat. You are my hero. I love you.”
Taylor’s act of kindness in Sydney was not an isolated incident. Throughout her Eras Tour, she has given the 22 hat to fans facing challenges or hardships, such as illness, disability, or loss. She has also been meeting them backstage and offering encouragement and support.
Taylor’s actions show that she is more than just a pop star. She is a role model and a humanitarian who uses her music and platform to impact the world positively, especially for struggling people.
Music can be a powerful source of hope and inspiration for people facing adversity. Expressing emotions and finding purpose and meaning in life can be aided through writing. It can also connect them with others who share their experiences and understand their challenges.
Taylor Swift understands this. She knows that her music can make a difference in people’s lives. She knows that her fans are not just numbers but individuals with stories and dreams. She knows that giving them the 22 hats gives them a souvenir and a symbol of hope.
Scarlett is one of those fans. She is one of those stories. She is one of those dreams. And thanks to Taylor Swift, she is one of those hopes.
