Although she was not even old enough to go to elementary school, Jalene Salinas battled courageously with a terminal illness, finding brief moments of happiness through Taylor Swift’s music. Now, at only 4-years-old, the little girl lost her battle with brain cancer after having Taylor Swift make her wish come true, reported Us Weekly .
In pain much of the time, Jalene created a bucket list of her wishes before she passed away. She longed to dance with Taylor to “Shake It Off,” despite the child’s knowledge that she could never “shake off” her terminal illness.
Twitter took up her cause, creating a hashtag #ShakeItOffJalene.
And so Taylor reached out and expressed her desire to help the child achieve that item on her list. Using Facetime, Swift devoted 20 minutes to offering support to Jalene, expressing her awareness that the suffering child was hurting.
“I’m so sorry you’re having a bad night, I’m so happy to talk to you though and I’m so happy you like ‘Shake it Off.’”
In addition, Jalene received a gift of albums and products that Taylor had taken the time to autograph.
Swift has become known for taking time to reach out to fans of all ages, as the Inquisitr reported. In an era where celebrities increasingly shield their private lives, Taylor has even invited her closest “Swifties” fans to her apartment for pizza parties.
And for Jalene, Swift’s caring made a difference in what had become a life filled with pain.
The little girl was diagnosed at age 3, and her Facebook page, called “ Jalene’s Journey ,” celebrated her short journey on Earth. The post about her death expressed thanks to her supporters and revealed a wish.
“On March 15, 2015 Jalene gained her beautiful angel wings. She fought all the way to the end. She beat Cancer defying the hours and days we were told. She went to be with our Lord in his time. Jalene was a true princess and I made sure to have her glass slippers by her side…This is not over because Jalene Will live on in the heart of everyone. We will continue to spread her kind hearted nature. Her ability to care for others. Please in Jalene’s name today especially but always spread her smile to the ones that don’t have a smile on their face. Her legacy will continue alway and forever….”
Swift isn’t alone in the list of celebrities who take time to give back, according to Look To The Stars . Among the stars who have supported the Make-A-Wish Foundation are Madonna, Angelina Jolie, Ellen DeGeneres, and Elton John.
In addition, Justin Bieber took time to visit a 6-year-old brain cancer patient on Valentine’s Day a few years ago. He gave his little fan Avalanna Routh a plane ride to New York, then ate cupcakes and played board games with her.
[Image Via Facebook/ Jalene’s Journey ]
