Taylor Swift Donates $100K to North Carolina Toddler Battling Brain Cancer, Mom Shares Emotional Journey on TikTok
MADISON, NORTH CAROLINA — Global pop superstar Taylor Swift has made a heartfelt gesture to a North Carolina family, donating $100,000 to help a 2-year-old girl battling stage 4 brain cancer.
The donation was made to an online fundraiser for Lilah Smoot, a toddler from Madison in Rockingham County, whose story has gained attention through her mother’s emotional updates on TikTok under the handle @standwithlilah.
According to Lilah’s mom, Katelynn Smoot, the family had launched the fundraiser back in March to cover mounting medical expenses. The surprise came when Swift quietly contributed $100,000 on October 17, without any prior contact from her team.
‘I’m Truly in Shock’: Family Reacts to Swift’s Kindness
Katelynn told ABC11 that she learned about the donation when her husband happened to check the fundraising account.
“I cannot say thank you enough. I’m truly in shock,” Katelynn wrote in an emotional post. “This means we don’t have to worry about anything other than Lilah. Truly such a blessing. Thank you, @Taylor Swift.”
The mother added that neither she nor her husband had been contacted by Swift’s public relations team — making the surprise even more meaningful.
A Devastating Diagnosis Turned Public Battle
Lilah’s cancer journey began in heartbreaking fashion. Katelynn said doctors discovered her daughter’s brain tumor while she was in labor with her son.
“Lilah had a seizure while I was in labor. A doctor came in and told me Lilah was in the ER downstairs and had a brain tumor,” she recalled.
Since then, Katelynn has used TikTok as a personal diary, documenting the highs and lows of her daughter’s treatment.
“I’ve always used TikTok like a diary. It’s a way for me to cope and process my emotions — the good and the bad,” she said. “Childhood cancer is very dark and sad. If we can’t find a reason to smile at the end of the day, we’d lose ourselves in that sadness.”
@standwithlilah So this might be my fault. Also Lilahs name was originally going to be Willow. We were set on that name my whole pregnancy but ultimately ended on Lilah. I listened to Taylor my whole pregnancy and then birthed a mini swiftie. Lilah loves Taylor’s music and during her cancer treatment she always found joy in it. I hope Lilah gets through this diagnosis and gets to one day go to a Taylor Swift concert in person. I know she would love it. #swiftie
Treatment and Hope Amid Hardship
Lilah is currently undergoing proton radiation treatment at a children’s hospital in Philadelphia, after previously receiving chemotherapy at Duke University Hospital.
“Duke has photon radiation, but not proton. Proton radiation is much more precise and hopefully won’t damage any healthy brain tissue,” Katelynn explained. “Radiation is not favorable for children under 3 years old, so we had to travel to get the safest option.”
Despite the grueling treatments, Katelynn says her daughter is remarkably strong.
“Lilah is doing well. She is handling treatment really well. The chemo was harder on her body. Radiation is a walk in the park in comparison,” she said. “She gets treatment every weekday and afterward acts like nothing even happened.”
The family hopes to return home to North Carolina by Thanksgiving.
Swift’s Quiet Acts of Generosity Continue
While Taylor Swift’s donation was made without fanfare, it’s one of several generous gestures the singer has made toward families and fans in need. Known for using her fame to make personal impacts, Swift’s $100,000 gift to the Smoot family ensures they can focus on Lilah’s recovery without financial worry.
The Smoots said they are deeply grateful for the support and hope Lilah’s journey — shared through TikTok — continues to inspire others facing similar struggles.
“She’s our miracle,” Katelynn said. “We’re staying positive and just trying to make as many good memories as we can.”
Stay connected for more uplifting stories from across the Carolinas at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
