Entertainment
Taylor Swift fan Scarlett Oliver, who shared viral moment with star at concert, dies aged 9-Rebecca Sayce-Entertainment – Metro
Her father announced her death on Instagram.
Scarlett’s story touched hearts around the world after she shared an emotional moment with her favourite artist, Taylor Swift (Picture: Don Arnold/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management)
Taylor Swift fan Scarlett Oliver has died, aged 9, following her battle with brain cancer.
The young girl from Perth went viral after a family member shared a social media callout to get Scarlett to receive a signed hat Taylor that hands out at concerts during hit song 22.
At the star’s Sydney show during the ongoing Eras Tour, they made the moment happen and the pair shared a hug that quickly went viral online.
Her father Paul announced his daughter’s death online just days before her 10th birthday following her diagnosis of a rare brain cancer known as high-grade glioma.
Posting pictures of Scarlett on the beach to an Instagram page, the caption read: ‘My Angel, so strong, so brave, so beautiful ❤️
‘Nothing will ever be the same again. Don’t forget me and please find a way to let me know you are ok. Goodnight baby, I love you – Dad 😢. It’s just not fair 💔.’
Scarlett’s story gained attention around the world when she attended the first night of Taylor’s Sydney shows at the Accor Stadium in February.
The young girl’s family put a callout on social media so she could receive the coveted signed 22 hat during the singer’s Sydney show (Picture: Don Arnold/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management)
Ahead of the gig, her stepmother Natalie posted a message on Instagram calling for Swifties to help make Scarlett’s dream come true of receiving the coveted 22 hat on the night.
‘I’m hoping to make this happen for my beautiful step-daughter but I need some help!!’ the message began.
‘Scarlett is a 9-year-old from Perth and she was diagnosed in October last year year with a high-grade glioma – this is a very aggressive brain cancer with no cure 😢 The prognosis given to us was 12 – 18 months from diagnosis. She has been an absolute warrior through surgeries, radiation and other treatments (all done to try and prolong her life).
‘Scarlett was granted a ‘Wish’ from the Make a Wish Foundation and her wish was to meet Taylor Swift. Unfortunately, they told us this wasn’t possible so through the power of social media and some generous people … We made attending the concert happen and got tickets!! 🤩 She is attending this Friday night in Sydney!!
‘Scarlett is so excited and would absolutely love to receive the 22 hat from Taylor (as would everyone else I’m sure 🤣).
‘I just want her to experience everything in life and if anyone deserves a little happiness it’s her. She deserves the world.’
They managed to make Scarlett’s wish come true, with Taylor placing the hat on her head during the show and embracing the young girl in a moment that captured the hearts of social media users.
What is high-grade glioma?
According to the Nationwide Children’s Hospital, a high-grade glioma is ‘a type of tumor formed in the brain or spinal cord (central nervous system or CNS) through the abnormal growth of glial cells.
‘Glial cells surround, protect, and help with the functions of neurons—the cells that help send messages from your brain to the rest of your body.’
High-grade gliomas are graded as a 3 or 4, indicating they are more aggressive and grow more rapidly.
Symptoms of high-grade gliomas include:
Vision, hearing, communication and balance problems
One-sided weakness
Seizures
Unexplained weight loss or gain
Changes in behaviour or personality
Increased head size (in infants, due to the fontanels, the space between the bones of the skull, not being completely closed)
However, the time after the show was blighted with health issues for the young girl, with her parents updating her 42,000 followers on her struggles.
Paul wrote on April 12: ‘We have felt so much love and support from around the world so felt it is right to share this update on Scarlett written by Paul (her dad). Those closest to us are aware but our beautiful Scarlett isn’t going so well.
‘Unfortunately, the last two weeks have seen a rapid deterioration. She recently had a feeding tube inserted to assist in weight gain as she has dropped to a little over 20kg and is bringing up anything that is going in. We have spent much of the school holidays in hospital due to complications with the tube, constant vomiting and extreme tiredness.
‘Last night after discharge from PCH she suffered a significant seizure and was rushed to hospital via ambulance. She has now stabilised but remains in hospital very unwell.
‘Oncology doctors have informed us that based on an MRI scan and recent events that her prognosis is dire and we are looking at weeks rather than months. Her birthday is on May 7th and they have concerns that she will not get to enjoy that.
‘I just want to see my baby smile and laugh if only for a little while. We are all struggling to comprehend how we are where we are.’
A fundraising page, set up by Scarlett’s aunt, has raised more than $100,000 AUD (£51,700) for her family.
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