Local hospital turns venue into Taylor Swift concert for teens who missed Indianapolis show

OAK HEAD, Illustration. – An Oak forest teenager was about to fulfill a lifelong dream by seeing Taylor Swift perform in Indianapolis this weekend.

However, due to an unexpected diagnosis, 14-year-old Peytin Castillo was unable to see the pop star in person.

Peytin, who is currently intubated at the Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak lawn— was still able to enjoy a personalized “Eras Tour” experience right from her hospital bed thanks to her medical team.

Nurses and child life specialists decorated her room with Taylor Swift-themed decorations, a banner and a monitor connected to a Bluetooth speaker so she could watch the concert. They even carved a life-size pop star.

Her family joined in, wearing outfits they had planned for the concert, including Swiftie friendship bracelets.

“When they realized we weren’t going to make it to the concert, the staff started working their magic,” said Reggie, Peytin’s father. “I know Peytin is very grateful. I asked her if she saw the door and her eyes got really big. I can tell that she is very satisfied with what the team was able to do for her.”

According to hospital officials, Peytin was recently diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare disease in which the body’s immune system attacks his nerves. Her symptoms began as tingling in her toes, which progressed to severe pain and weakness throughout her body.

She was admitted to the hospital on October 25 and her diagnosis “predicts a long road to recovery,” the hospital said.

The weakness caused by her condition made it difficult for Peytin to breathe, which led to her being intubated. She cannot speak and communicates using a chalkboard or by saying words.

“After it became clear we weren’t going home soon, she said, ‘Guys, I’m sorry.’ We asked her what she was sorry about and she said “Taylor Swift”. We told her the most important thing is to get out of here and go home to the things she loves,” Reggie said. “I told her that Taylor Swift would write more songs. She will perform again. Wherever it is, whatever it costs, even if it’s in Antarctica, we’ll be there.”

Peytin is still in the hospital as she begins the difficult road to recovery, but thanks to the creativity of the staff, she was able to experience a piece of the dream she had hoped for.