A mother initially doubted the sincerity of Taylor Swift’s $100,000 (£75,000) contribution to her daughter’s GoFundMe campaign during her battle with cancer.
Katelynn Smoot’s life took a drastic turn when her 18-month-old daughter Lilah was diagnosed with ATRT (atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor), an uncommon and aggressive tumor. She chronicled her family’s journey on Instagram and TikTok, including a video of Lilah dancing to one of Swift’s songs.
In a swift response, the 35-year-old singer donated a significant sum to the fundraiser, instantly boosting its value by a third. This financial support has enabled Lilah’s family to afford the necessary treatment to fight for her life. Katelynn, a mother of two, expressed her gratitude, stating, “The donation is amazing—it provides us with much-needed help. But the fact that she (Swift) watched our video, cared, and sent that message means the world to us. Her donation sparked a chain reaction, with Swift’s fans nearly doubling the original contribution. I feel like I can never thank her enough.”
Due to the rarity of ATRT, there is only one established treatment protocol, involving multiple rounds of chemotherapy and proton radiation, which is not available at the family’s local children’s hospitals.
Katelynn, residing in North Carolina, emphasized the urgency of Lilah’s treatment, stating, “Without treatment, Lilah’s chances of survival are non-existent. Given the limited treatment options due to its rarity, there is essentially one standard treatment regimen that has been used for the past 25 years.”
Despite the challenges, Lilah, now two years old, remains resilient and was recently captured dancing to a Swift song in a heartwarming video shared on social media by her mother.
Upon learning of Swift’s donation, Katelynn was initially skeptical but was convinced when a heartfelt message appeared on the GoFundMe page, affirming the singer’s support for Lilah.
Expressing their gratitude, Katelynn’s family acknowledged the singer’s gesture, recognizing the impact of Swift’s generosity. Even though there has been no direct contact with the artist, they conveyed their heartfelt appreciation.
Katelynn shared, “She’s an incredibly busy individual, and what she did was beyond generous. We hope she understands how thankful we are. It felt like she embraced us with open arms.”
Looking ahead, Katelynn expressed her wishes for Lilah to have a joyful life, filled with cherished memories and experiences, regardless of its duration.
ATRT is a rare form of cancer, with fewer than 60 children diagnosed annually in the US. Typically affecting children aged three and under, the rapid progression of this cancer underscores the urgent need for support. To contribute to Lilah’s cause, please visit the provided link.