Taylor Swift surprises burn victim in Valley hospital
May 6, 2018, 10:05 AM
(Facebook Photo/Zachary McCune)
(Facebook Photo/Zachary McCune)
PHOENIX – In the Phoenix area for her upcoming concert on Tuesday, Taylor Swift made a surprise visit to a Valley girl in the hospital with devastating burns.
Isabella McCune, an 8-year-old fan of the pop star, was admitted to the Arizona Burn Center at Maricopa Medical Center in Phoenix after she suffered third-degree burns on most of her body due to a fire pit explosion on St. Patrick’s Day.
According to her mother, Lilly McCune, her daughter finds hope and comfort in Swift’s songs, often listening to them while doctors change the dressing on her wounds.
“Isabella has to go through painful, horrific dressing changes,” she said to People Magazine in a phone interview. “During the changes, the staff has been asking how they can help her deal with her pain, something that would distract her.
“She said if she were to listen to Taylor Swift music, it would be a good distraction. So they turn on the music for her.”
Unable to leave the hospital and go to the pop star’s concert in Glendale, the family made a video on Wednesday of Isabella asking Swift to visit her.
“I was wanting to go to your concert, but I can’t because I’m in the hospital,” Isabella said in the video posted by the Arizona Republic. “I heard you were here and I wanted to visit you, but maybe you can come and visit me.”
The girl’s plea went viral, eventually landing in front of the 28-year-old singer.
The family never got their hopes, but when they found out that Swift would in fact surprise Isabella, her mother said it was the “best kept secret.”
“She was so shocked! She was speechless,” Lilly said. “Taylor took time out of her busy, busy schedule and sat down on the bed next to Isabella. “She brought her a bag with goodies from her tour.
“She said she had to meet her because she was so inspired by her story and honored that her music helped her.”
Taylor Swift visited Isabella, an 8 year old fan who is un able to attend her opening night on tour due to a fire pit accident. Taylor even brought her merch! 💕💕 pic.twitter.com/jYWfPDIY5H
— taylor swift news (@TSNewsPA) May 6, 2018
Swift stayed with Isabella and her family for about 20 minutes, ending the visit with a heartfelt hug.
Despite Isabella being unable to attend Swift’s Reputation tour at Gila River Arena on Tuesday, the pop star extended an invitation for the girl to join her on tour whenever she is ready.
“I believe she will continue to listen to her music and it will give her strength,” Lilly said. “The music will have such a deeper meaning to her now.”
