Kayla Dosen had her 'Wildest Dream' come true earlier this month in Duncan
The Vancouver Island teen was presented with two tickets to see her idol Taylor Swift at Vancouver's B.C. Stadium on Dec. 7 through the Help Fill A Dream Foundation and their community partner Country Grocer.
There was much excitement inside the Duncan Grocery store as Dosen's friends and family showed up to surprise her as her biggest dream became a reality. She was filled with elation and had no intention to 'Shake It Off' anytime soon.
"It's really overwhelming but very exciting, I'm just so happy, and it was such a nice surprise to see all my family and everybody here, I had no idea that they would all be here," said Dosen.
Eighteen-year-old Dosen is diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a rare pediatric cancer. She has shown tremendous resilience throughout her battle with the disease, and said it was Swift’s music that has always served as a constant source of comfort, hope, and inspiration.
Dosen, who has been a part of the Help Fill A Dream program for nearly three years, said that when she found out Taylor Swift's record-breaking Eras Tour, which has captivated audiences worldwide, would be stopping in Vancouver, she couldn't think of anything she wants more than a chance to see her idol, whose music gave her strength.
Little did this Swifty know that she would be needing to leave a 'Blank Space' on her calendar for the full weekend of Dec. 7, as she finally saw the fulfillment of a cherished dream that's been years in the making.
"It kind of feels surreal, we've been waiting for this to happen for so long and then Help Fill a Dream gave us the chance," said Dosen. "We actually didn't think we were going to be able to do something like this, and then they approached us. This is such an amazing opportunity, because it was the one thing that I wanted more than anything since it was first announced."
“We’re thrilled to help bring this dream to life,” said HFAD executive director Craig Smith. “When we heard about her love for Taylor Swift and how much her music has meant to her, we knew this was a dream we wanted to fill. The strength, resilience, and joy she has shown are truly inspiring, and we’re excited to play a small part in making this incredible experience happen for her.”
Linda K. of Country Grocer presented the ecstatic 18-year-old with a bag that included two tickets to see the pop sensation along with $1,000 for travel and expenses. Photos were taken before the cutting of the cake which was a real Swift-inspired sweet treat. Her family said this experience represents a moment of joy and hope that will be remembered for years to come.
"We are so excited to host Kayla’s Dream Reveal," said Country Grocer marketing manager Tammy Averill. "Over the years we have witnessed so many reveals and we have no doubt that this one will be one of the most exciting! It will be wonderful for Kayla to enjoy a weekend away where she can just enjoy herself, and we can’t wait to see pictures."
In those pictures with her will be her sister Violet, and while she admits little sis isn't quite as big of a Swifty as her she is super excited to get to go with her sister and experience a concert like this in the big city, and will be out there for both the Saturday and Sunday.
"I'm just so very grateful and excited, it has been a long time in the making," said Dosen. "I grew up on her music and this just really feels full circle for me."
