Image: Riley Children’s Foundation
In pediatric hospitals, it’s often the small moments of joy that bring the biggest lift to kids facing long hospital stays and tough treatments. Recently, Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis had one of those magical moments: 16 young patients were surprised with tickets to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour concert! For these kids, many of whom are navigating serious health challenges, this generous gift sparked a wave of excitement and joy, giving them something truly special to look forward to.
At the heart of this story is 15-year-old Brilea Southard, who has spent an unimaginable 325 days in the hospital. Brilea’s journey began in December 2023 after a devastating car accident that left her with a torn aorta, legs so badly damaged they would need to be amputated and only a 4% chance of survival.
But she’s defied the odds in every way, undergoing more than 20 surgeries and keeping her legs despite the initial prognosis. Though she still needs “wound management and dressing changes twice a week under sedation,” Paula Allen, Brilea’s mother explained, this concert is a huge, joyful milestone in her journey.
Brilea wasn’t the only one thrilled by this news. She was joined by a diverse group of patients, including 12-year-old Emma Sully, a heart transplant recipient, and 11-year-old Charli Carty who was excited to trade friendship bracelets at the show. Even seven-year-old Ja’isaibella (Izzy) Boyd was in attendance, showing that Taylor Swift’s music reaches across all ages
When the patients heard they’d be going to the concert, the room filled with tears, laughter, and excitement. For these patients, her music is more than just catchy tunes – it’s a source of comfort and motivation during tough treatments.
Izzy’s mother, DeAndria Powell, shared that when a pain crisis begins, they turn to Taylor’s song ‘Shake It Off.’ “We always try to shake it off before we take any medications, we see if we can shake it off.”
Seeing her live at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 3, Swift’s final show in Indianapolis, was a chance for these kids to experience hope and a touch of normalcy away from hospital rooms and medical procedures.
The way the patients found out about their upcoming concert experience was just as special as the tickets themselves. During a Taylor Swift-themed event at the hospital, the kids were making friendship bracelets and playing “Taylor Trivia.” They had no idea that the final trivia question would reveal the big surprise: they were all going to see Taylor Swift live!
The whole announcement turned a regular hospital day into something truly unforgettable, and the kids’ excitement was off the charts.
Since Brilea and some of the other patients need ongoing medical support, the hospital planned to make sure they were safe and comfortable. Brilea had two nurses and a doctor with her to provide the care she needed so that she could enjoy the night without worry. After the concert, she went straight back to the hospital to continue her care, balancing a night of excitement with her recovery needs.
This kind of support shows how committed Riley Hospital is to caring for the whole person – not just the physical side but also their emotional well-being, giving them the experiences that make life feel fuller and happier.
This incredible experience was made possible by the generosity of Riley Children’s Foundation and Denney Excavating, who donated the concert tickets. It’s a reminder of the powerful role community support can play in boosting morale and lifting the spirits of children facing difficult health battles.
