Taylor Swift has been giving back to the fans for a long time, but her latest contribution hits close to home for the singer.
Ayden, the 13-month-old nephew of one of Swift’s 1989 World Tour backup dancers, Kim “Toshi” Davidson, was diagnosed with cancer this week after spending more than two weeks in the intensive care unit. He needs further testing to determine what type of cancer he has, so his family set up a GoFundMe account to help defray the costs. Ayden’s mother Lindsey was let go from her job because she chose to stay by her son’s side.
Davidson shared the news of his nephew’s condition on Instagram and directed his followers to the GoFundMe campaign.
The family asked for $20,000, but they received more than double that thanks to a $50,000 donation from Swift.
“Baby Ayden, I’m lucky enough to perform with your uncle Toshi on tour,” Swift wrote on the GoFundMe page. “All of us are praying for you and your mama and sending so much love your way. Love, Taylor.”
Davidson didn’t find out about Swift’s donation until after he arrived in Toronto Wednesday for the next part of the 1989 World Tour. He called Swift “an incredible human being” and thanked her for the donation in another Instagram post.
This isn’t the first time that Swift, whose mother is also battling cancer, has donated a large sum to help someone else in a similar situation. In July, she donated $50,000 to a GoFundMe campaign for a fan with cancer.
Because of Swift’s donations, which had to be split up at the time, GoFundMe raised the donation limit on its site.
Ayden’s family was floored by the donations from Swift and others over the past day.
“Thank you so much for ALL of the outpouring of LOVE and PRAYERS and SUPPORT!!! TEAM AYDEN you are AMAZING!!!” the family said in an update on the campaign page. “Little Ayden was transported yesterday to the Children’s Hospital where he will undergo a biopsy to determine exactly what type of cancer he has. We are praying for you Ayden! We love you!!! Thank you so much everyone!”
H/T People | Illustration by Max Fleishman