For Isabella McCune, every day is agony. The 8-year-old Arizona resident suffered burns to 65% of her body when a bonfire her father, J.D., made on St. Patrick’s Day got out of control.
When she’s not bedridden, her days consist of surgeries (she has had 10 so far), the painstaking cleaning of her wounds, and physiotherapy to help her walk again.
Through it all, her mom Lilly told AZ Central that her girl’s kept a brave face through it all. “She was always a tough girl, always strong, but this is a new level of strength,” she said.
How an Injured Little Girl Found Strength in the Hospital
A big source of her strength are the pictures and songs filling her room of her favorite artist, Taylor Swift. The singer’s pictures are on the ceiling since Isabella can only lie flat. She leans on those and her favorite song, ‘Ready for It’ to stay positive when the going gets tough.
However, the only thing that stung as much as her wounds was being unable to see Swift perform. She was in town as part of her ‘Reputation’ tour.
Yet, a hospital bed can’t stop the heart of a superfan. And so, with motivation and a little faith, McCune recorded her own demo tape for the pop star.
“Your music helped me through tough times,” she started, her voice weak.
Then, she offered a sweet invitation to the pop princess herself. “I heard you were here, and I wanted to visit you, but maybe you can come and visit me. So maybe that can happen,” she said.
It turns out that someone special saw Isabella’s video and was about to rock her world.
How Taylor Swift’s Gift Helped an 8-Year-Old Girl Heal
Isabella was in her wheelchair in her room one day when her little eyes did a double-take. This time, it wasn’t a picture on the ceiling but Taylor Swift in person, who popped in for a visit.
After pinching herself, Isabella told Swift in person how much her music meant to her. Swift said she was honored and gave her and her 14-year-old brother Zachary some tour swag and autographed pictures.
To top it off, Swift wrote a very special entry in Isabella’s journal.
“Isabella! I hope you feel better soon, and I’m honored you’ve been listening to my music. You’re so awesome, and I can’t wait to have you at a show,” the note said.
There’s a moment that can heal any wound.
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It’s still a long road ahead, but Isabella is having more success each day. She said that her motivation to stay smiling isn’t just her family.
“It’s always good to keep a smile on your face in the hospital in case another patient comes by and they see you,” she says. “They might be sad or scared and need a smile,” she said.
She speaks like a true star.
It is said that time heals all wounds. Let’s hope that also goes for J.D., who will have to find a way to forgive himself for an accident that could have happened to anyone.