Taylor Swift’s global reach extends far beyond just love for the artist herself — her loyal legion of fans worldwide, known as Swifties, have recently rallied to support one of their own right here in Bucks County.
In the months since 13-year-old Lily Tomlinson was diagnosed with DIPG, a terminal brain tumor, Swifties from around the world have donated money, gifts and more to support her battle.
Learn more about Lily’s battle and how you can help:
Who is Lily Tomlinson of Bucks County?
After experiencing some dizziness and trouble swallowing late last year, the Pipersville teen was diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a terminal brain tumor.
She has since lost feeling in her right side and uses a wheelchair to get around. A small tube in her nose delivers nourishment.
"The typical prognosis is about eight months to a year after diagnosis," her mom Kelsey told USA Today. "Lily's symptoms progressed very quickly so we were told that might not be our timeline."
Lily received her final radiation treatment at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia in January and moved back home to Bucks County to be with her parents and little brother, Luca. Her parents have taken leave from their jobs to spend as much time with their daughter as possible.
When asked what she wants her parents to know, Lily responded, "That I'll always be with them."
How can you help Lily?
Shortly after the diagnosis, a family friend set up a GoFundMe page for Lily, hoping to raise money for a wheelchair. Swifties donated in $13 increments as a nod to the singer's favorite number. More than 1,400 participants raised $83,196, passing the goal of $75,000.
The giving continued beyond monetary donations with care packages, merchandise and heartfelt notes. Some sent prized CD inserts signed by Swift. Banners donning “Brave Lily” and “Swifties for Lily” hang above Lily's hospital bed in the family’s living room where seven pool noodles covered end to end with friendship bracelets sit on the couch.
The Tomlinson family encourages people to continue sending letters and care packages to Lily to continue bringing her joy and comfort as her battle continues.
"Thank you," her dad Seth said. " Thousands of letters of people just giving positivity and love. We read every single one, and every single one makes me cry."
The Tomlinsons encourage fans to send notes and care packages to: Lily Tomlinson, P.O. Box #366, Plumsteadville, PA 18949.
Lacey Latch is the development reporter for the Bucks County Courier Times and The Intelligencer. She can be reached at[email protected].