Nurses Craft Eras-Tour Costume For Swiftie Premie and Her Taylor-Obsessed Mom
In the world of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), where tiny fighters battle against the odds, a heartwarming story has emerged that combines the power of music, compassion, and creativity. At Ohio State's Nationwide Children's Hospital, a group of dedicated NICU nurses went above and beyond to bring joy to a premature baby and her Taylor Swift-loving mother, creating a viral moment that touched hearts across the internet.
A Swift Start to NICU Life
Emily VandeRydt, a devoted "Swiftie" (the term for Taylor Swift fans), found herself facing unexpected challenges when she was diagnosed with preeclampsia. This condition led to the premature birth of her daughter, Willa, who arrived 10 weeks early. As a result, Willa needed to spend six weeks in the NICU, receiving specialized care to support her early development.
During this challenging time, the NICU nurses at Nationwide Children's Hospital noticed Emily's Taylor Swift-themed accessories. One nurse, Nickie, discovered their shared love for the artist, sparking a connection that would lead to a series of thoughtful gestures.
@colorfulem One of Willa’s nurses in the NICU made her the most adorable Eras Tour felt costume for her first Halloween 🥹💖💫✨ @Taylor Swift #nicubaby #swiftie #nicustrong #nicu #nicumom #nicuwarrior #nicujourney #swifties #erastour #erastourtaylorswift #taylorswift ♬ Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince - Taylor Swift
Nurses Embrace the Swift Spirit
Recognizing the importance of creating a positive and personalized environment for both baby Willa and her mother, the NICU nurses began incorporating Taylor Swift-themed elements into Willa's care space. They crafted a custom name sign for Willa and even provided a Taylor Swift Little Golden book, demonstrating their understanding of how these small touches can make a significant difference for families during stressful NICU stays.
As reported in People, VandeRydt said Swift’s song "Fearless" became her fight song throughout Willa's NICU journey. In addition to her primary Nurse, Nickie, VandeRydt said, “it seemed like almost every other nurse I encountered was also a Swiftie. One even made Willa a little name sign for her room that looked like a friendship bracelet to hang on the wall, which was super cute. Nickie also surprised us with the Taylor Swift Little Golden book, which we read to Willa while we were in the NICU."
An Eras Tour-Inspired Halloween Surprise
As Halloween approached, the NICU nurses decided to take their support for Emily and Willa to the next level. Nurse Sam, showcasing impressive crafting skills, created an intricate felt costume inspired by Taylor Swift's wildly popular Eras Tour. The miniature outfit closely resembled Swift's iconic “Lover” bodysuit, complete with tiny silver boots.
This act of kindness went far beyond typical patient care, demonstrating the nurses' dedication to creating moments of joy and normalcy for families facing the challenges of NICU life. The attention to detail in the costume not only showed their commitment but also their understanding of how significant these gestures can be for parents navigating the emotional roller coaster of having a premature baby.
A Viral Moment of NICU Magic
Touched by the nurses' thoughtfulness, Emily VandeRydt shared a video of Willa in her Taylor Swift-inspired costume on TikTok. The heartwarming moment resonated with viewers, quickly going viral and amassing over 500,000 views. The video received an outpouring of positive comments from fellow Swifties and other NICU families who understood the impact of such gestures.
- A nurse named Danielle commented, “OMG I’m a NICU nurse and now currently plotting which babies I can dress up like this. INCREDIBLE. 💜🤍”
- Another supporter summed up the nurses’ efforts perfectly: “DAISY AWARD NOMINATION IMMEDIATELY!”
- VandeRydt has been grateful for the support, saying: “I try to respond to every single comment, especially from NICU nurses. I truly believe NICU nurses are angels for what they do, taking care of the tiniest babies with so much strength and compassion."
We couldn’t agree more! 🫶
