For Scarlett Oliver, meeting her idol — pop megastar Taylor Swift — felt like a distant dream.

Diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer, a high-grade glioma last October, it was an opportunity even the Make-A-Wish Foundation was unable to grant.

But impossible was not an option for her tight-knit Perth community, especially for local soccer club Forrestfield United, in the eastern suburb of Kalamunda, which raised the money for tickets for Scarlett to be in the front row at the first night of Swift’s Sydney leg of the Eras Tour.

It was there that she not only got to meet Swift but was given the famous ’22 hat’.

Local councillor Brooke O’Donnell said the soccer club became the epicentre of the drive to help the nine-year-old.

“I cried when I saw the picture of Scarlett happy with that 22 hat, because she absolutely deserved it, and there is no doubt all the good vibes of WA and even further were out there hoping for her,” she said.

“It’s a constant reminder that kindness and empathy still shines brighter than anything.

“And hopefully, this builds Scarlett brighter and bigger and better, if that’s actually possible with such a wonderful young lady.”

Forrestfield United was keen to lend a helping hand to Scarlett in any way possible, with her father being an assistant coach at the club.

O’Donnell said FUFC’s networks with the wider community and its “size, scale, and heart” was what made the fundraiser a success.

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A Facebook post made by FUFC promoting the fundraiser.

 

Perth resident Kanya Mansfield attended the event with her own nine-year-old daughter, who she said was also a “massive Tay Tay fan,” noting the event was “close to everyone’s heart”.

Mansfield said she and her daughter made friendship bracelets for Scarlett.

Social media journey

Once armed with tickets, Scarlett’s stepmother, Natalie Oliver, turned to social media to share her girl’s story and her desire to meet Swift. 

Natalie posted on a Sydney-based Swift Facebook fan group, seen in a tweet shared on X, ‘(Scarlett) would absolutely love to receive the 22 hat from Taylor (as would everyone else I’m sure)’. 

Swift’s trademark hat-giving ritual during her performances of 22 has become legendary among her fanbase.

During each show, Swift selects a lucky fan to receive the black fedora she wears while belting out the fan-favourite track from her 2012 album Red.

Ahead of the event, Natalie shared a photo of Scarlett holding a handmade poster that read: ‘Taylor, can I have the 22 hat? Please’.

The best day ever

With the added exposure from the Swift fan community — Scarlett’s seat information was spread across social media platforms in the hopes this would get the attention of Swift’s team.

Their efforts were not in vain.

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A Facebook post shared by FRFC promoting Scarlett’s wish

About midway through the show, young Scarlett was ushered across the stadium floor to the front of the stage.

In a video shared on X, Swift sang and danced her way towards Scarlett, with both their faces lighting up with excitement.

Natalie later posted the moment on Instagram, writing to Swift: “You are AMAZING!! Thank you so much for making Scarlett’s dream come true!! To everyone who shared her story to help us make this happen, we are beyond grateful!!! Scarlett is on top of the world right now!”

Main image by Jana Beamer/Flickr.