Taylor Swift Update: Will Singer Grant 4-Year-Old Cancer Patient's Dying Wish to Dance?

By R. Siva Kumar - 02 Mar '15 17:57PM
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Jalene Salinas, a child of just four years, has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Her family has tried to help her achieve whatever she wants.

Jalene first went to the hospital in April 2014 after complaining about headaches, but the doctor sent her home with Tylenol, according to people. Due to the worsening headaches, her mother, Jennifer Arriaga, took her to the Methodist Children's Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, where she was diagnosed as suffering from a PNET tumor. The last 10 months for Jalene Salinas have been filled with chemo, radiation and surgery.

"There's nothing else they can do for her," Arriaga said. "They told us anything that you want to do with her now or she wants to do, go ahead and do it."

Jalene has made a snowman, seen sand for the first time, experienced school and conducted a spa party with her sister. Among the only things she has left on her list is to dance to "Shake It Off" with Taylor Swift. Even Taye Diggs has gotten in on her plan!

Arriga asks her daughter, "And you always say shake it off because you want to shake off what?" To which Jalene replies, "Cancer", according to USA Today.

On February 10, Jalene Salinas, was even sworn in as an honorary Bexar County Sheriff's Office deputy!

While Taylor Swift has sent Jalene a package that is filled with memorabilia and a signed poster, the family wants Jalene to try to get Swift on Skype also. While the family's Texas community is sending tweets with the hashtag #ShakeItOffJalene, it has tagged Swift so that she can help to get Jalene her wish.

Arriaga put up updates on Jalene on Facebook. "Please continue to pray for Jalene as her health is declining. She is unable to walk on her own now. They believe she is having small seizures throughout the morning. She is being kept comfortable. Thank you for you prayer."

Currently, Jalene's greatest wish is: "Mom, do I get to dance with Taylor today?"

Arriaga is trying to complete the wish list soon, but as of now, she just wants to enjoy the time with Jalene. "Let's just be happy, let's smile with her," Arriaga said. "And when the time comes when whatever happens, we'll have our time to mourn and to be sad, but right now let's just enjoy her."

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